University of Virginia Library

WILLIAM McDERMOTT

William McDermott, the subject of this sketch, was
born in Ireland in the year 1859 and with his parents
came to America and located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
in 1865, where he
was reared. He
remained in the "Smoky
City" until 1886, when
he came to Roanoke and
accepted a position with
the Norfolk & Western
shops. He has remained
continuously in
the employ of the Norfolk
& Western and in
point of service is one
of the oldest employees
of the great industrial
enterprise he has served
so acceptably.

In politics Mr.
McDermott is a staunch,
loyal Democrat and in
1904 was elected to the
Board of Aldermen from Kimball Ward and reölected
in 1908. He is a member of the following committees:
Finance, Accounts, Public Property and Lights. His
record as a city law maker and public official is clean
and above reproach and one which his family and
friends will be glad to hear recited in after years.
Wide-awake and progressive he is always in the forefront
in any movement which has for its object the
general good and upbuilding of the city. In 1880
he was married to Miss Mary McMahan of Pittsburgh
and they have five children, four boys and one girl.

Fraternally Mr. McDermott is a member of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus and
Roanoke Lodge No. 197, B. P. O. E. In the first
named organization, he holds the position of State
Treasurer.

Religiously he is a member of St. Andrew's Catholic
Church.