William James McDermott, New York physician. He was born in Portland, Maine, son of Francis McDermott. In 1840s, the family lived in New Brunswick. In 1854, William James McDermott received his M.D. from the City University of New York, and took an examination in the Army Medical Board. In August 1861, he was approved by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of New York for service as surgeon in Volunteer regiments, and served as surgeon in the 66th Regiment of New York Volunteer Infantry from Oct. 1861 to June 1864. In the late June, 1864, he tendered his resignation and continued to work under a contract with the War Department until the end of the Civil War. He served as Assistant Surgeon in various hospitals and as a medical inspector for the office of Provost Marshal. After the war, he practiced medicine in Westchester County and New York City. In October 1863, McDermott was running for New York City Assembly on a Democratic ticket. He also was a prominent Mason, one of the founders and the first Master of Wyoming Lodge (Westchester County).
From the description of Papers of William James McDermott, 1844-1919. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 228734100
