Army career
MacDermott entered the British army in the year 1808, as an officer in the 8th Regiment of Foot, and during the same year saw active service in the West Indies, when the British forces captured the Island of Martinique, after several days' fighting in the field and six weeks siege ofBusiness career in Australia
In the following year MacDermott, with several other officers who had sold their commissions, emigrated to Western Australia, and he settled as an agriculturist on the Swan River, where he purchased 5,000 acres, having also the right to select a large block of over 20,000 acres, according to the regulations, on account of property and servants be introduced into the colony. The first bank at Swan River was started through MacDermott's suggestion and exertions, backed up by colonists of influence and means, and he was appointed Manager. Five years afterwards the Bank of Australasia proposed to amalgamate with the local institution, and this being agreed, sent a Manager from London, who died before the bank was opened, and MacDermott was made Manager of the new bank. Five years later the Australasian Bank resolved to close their branch at Perth, Western Australia and offered MacDermott the Managership of that at Adelaide, which he accepted. On leaving Swan River he received a flattering address, signed by all the members of the Executive Council, the Magistrates, clergy, and many others. Just before leaving England for Western Australia he married, and all his children were born in that colony. In Adelaide, under his management, the Australasian Bank secured a large share of the business. WithPolitical career
In the year 1855 MacDermott offered himself as a candidate to represent the Noarlunga District, in the old mixed Council, composed of two-thirds elected members, and one-third nominees, but was defeated, and accepted a nomineeship. MacDermott was soon afterwards appointed Chairman of Committees. MacDermott was member of the Council from 25 October 1855 until it was abolished on 2 February 1857. MacDermott then representedLate life and legacy
In 1859 MacDermott was appointed a Special Magistrate, and presided at the Willunga and Morphett Vale Courts, till removed to the North, where he administered justice in the Local Courts of Redruth, Clare, Auburn, and Riverton. After 10 years' service as a Stipendiary Magistrate Macdennott retired, and received, on relinquishing his post, two gratifying addresses, one from the members of the bar practising in the Northern Courts, and the other from all the Magistrates and numerous other residents of the district. Macdermott always took a very warm interest in religious matters, particularly in connection with the Church of England, of which he was a member. His long and honourable life was varied and eventful, and in compliance with the wishes of some members of his family, he three years ago drew up a condensed account of his career, which was printed exclusively for the use of his relatives and friends and obtained by the South Australian Advertiser. MacDermott was survived by a widow and three daughters. Their eldest daughter Caroline (ca.1822 – 1 June 1855) married Francis Dutton, C.M.G., (Premier of South Australia in the 1860s), and died many years before MacDermott, after giving birth to (later Sir) Frederick Dutton (14 April 1855 – c. 10 October 1930).References
{{DEFAULTSORT:MacDermott, Marshall Members of the South Australian Legislative Council Members of the South Australian House of Assembly 1791 births 1877 deaths English emigrants to colonial Australia Australian bankers King's Regiment (Liverpool) officers 19th-century Australian politicians 19th-century Australian businesspeople