Andrew Derrom facts for kids
Andrew Derrom (November 30, 1817 – July 15, 1892) was an English-American civil engineer, inventor, and military officer. He was known for his building innovations, his service in the American Civil War, and his efforts to improve the city of Paterson, New Jersey.
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Derrom
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Colonel Andrew Derrom
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| Born | November 30, 1817 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Died | July 15, 1892 (aged 74) Paterson, New Jersey, United States |
| Place of burial |
Cedar Lawn Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
Army of the Potomac |
| Years of service | 1862–1863 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands held | 25th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Contents
Andrew Derrom: Engineer, Inventor, and Leader
Andrew Derrom led an exciting life. He was a talented engineer and a brave soldier. He also helped shape the city of Paterson, New Jersey.
His Early Years
Andrew Derrom was born in England in 1817. He was one of six children. His father was in the British army. Young Andrew traveled with his dad to places like Malta and Greece.
In Greece, he started school with private teachers. He even met Lord Byron. Byron was a famous poet. He was helping Greece fight for its freedom.
Later, Andrew went to schools in Scotland and Ireland. He also studied math in England. These studies helped him become a great engineer.
A New Life in America
In 1836, at age 18, Andrew moved to the United States. He settled in Paterson, New Jersey. There, he worked as a civil engineer and builder. He designed and constructed many things.
By 1844, Derrom started his own construction company. It grew very fast. Soon, he had up to 400 workers. His company became one of the biggest in New Jersey.
A Civil War Hero
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Derrom supported the Union. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln asked for volunteers. Derrom quickly helped Paterson find enough soldiers.
He wanted a local leader for the new regiment. When that didn't happen, he spoke to New Jersey's governor. Derrom helped form the 25th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was chosen as its colonel.
The 25th New Jersey fought in important battles. These included the Battle of Fredericksburg. They also faced the Siege of Suffolk. Derrom was praised for his engineering skills. He was especially good at building bridges.
Building and Inventing
After his nine months of service, Derrom returned to Paterson. He found his business in trouble. He spent three years fixing things. During this time, he built many large textile mills. Paterson was known as the "Silk City."
Derrom was also a clever inventor. He created a new way to build houses. He called it the "Derrom Cottage." These houses were built in sections. Workers could put them together easily. They could even be moved from place to place.
The smallest Derrom Cottage cost about $25 in 1870. That's like $440 today. His largest models were called "Italian villas." They cost $5,000, which is about $88,000 today.
Derrom's invention helped him during a tough time. In 1873, there was a big financial crisis. It caused a long economic downturn. But Derrom sold his cottages to the United States Army. He also sold them to builders in Venezuela. He even went to Venezuela for four years. He oversaw projects there.
Improving His City
When Derrom returned to Paterson in 1879, he was wealthy. He started buying large areas of land. He owned 66 acres in the Eastside section. He designed this area himself. He divided lots for sale. He laid out streets and built houses. He even built his own mansion.
A year later, city leaders wanted public parks. It took seven years to buy the land. The city bought Derrom's 66 acres for $75,000. This land became Eastside Park. The area around it is now a historic district. Derrom also supported other parks, like People's Park.
Derrom was also active in politics. He served as a city alderman. He was president of the city council. He also led the board of education. He was even the superintendent of public schools. He started in the Whig Party. Later, he joined the new Republican Party.
Family and Legacy
In 1842, Derrom married Elizabeth Vreeland. Her family was one of the oldest in the area. A street in Paterson, Vreeland Avenue, is named after her family. Andrew and Elizabeth had four children. Their sons, Andrew and James, followed their father. They became architects and ran the family business. Derrom also adopted a daughter named Jane.
In 1892, Colonel Derrom was asked to lead Paterson's Fourth of July parade. He was too old and sick to walk. So, he rode in an open carriage. His health got worse after that. He died on July 15, 1892, at age 74. He is buried in Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Paterson.
To honor his work, a street was named "Derrom Avenue." It runs along the west side of Eastside Park. This wide street has many grand mansions. These homes were often built by people whose factories Derrom's company constructed.
