He was known as "Black Dan". His father was James Petherick, b. 1816 Bradworthy, Devonshire, England, d. 1867 (drowned in River Crowe); m. 28 May 1842, by a minister of the Kilkhampton Bible Christian Circuit, to Ann Francis, b. 1814 Kilkhampton, Cornwall. The Kilkhampton Bible Christian Circuit included the towns of Bradworthy, Clovelly, Hartland, Kilkhampton, Morwenstow, Parkham, Poughill and Woolfardisworthy. James had brothers William, Daniel and John and sisters Ann and Elizabeth. Elizabeth stayed in England and the others all went to Seymour Township, Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada.
Black Dan's grandfather was Daniel Petherick, b. 1788 Bradworthy, d. 1875; m. 17 Aug 1812 Bradworthy to Elizabeth Cory, b. 1789, d. 1829.
His great grandfather was Daniel Petherick, b. 1746 Bradworthy, d. 1825; m. 27 Jan 1773 Bardworthy to Elizabeth Oke, b. 1749, d. 1805.
His great-great grandfather was Daniel Petherick b. 1710 Bradworthy, d. 1790; wife unknown.
His third great grandfather was Daniel Pederick b. 1681, d. 1739; m. 1706 Bradworthy to Patience Old.