Marshall MacDermott
Marshall MacDermott | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1791 |
| Died | 1877-11-03 |
| Occupation(s) | Military officer, banker, politician, magistrate |
| Years active | 1808–circa 1869 |
| Known for | Service in South Australian Legislative Council and House of Assembly; banking in Western Australia and South Australia |
Marshall MacDermott (1791 – 3 November 1877) was a British military officer and politician who served in the South Australian Legislative Council between 1855 and 1857, and subsequently represented the Flinders constituency in the South Australian House of Assembly from 1857 until 1859.
Army career
MacDermott commenced his military service in 1808 as an officer with the 8th Regiment of Foot. That same year, he took part in the campaign to seize Martinique, which included both field engagements and a protracted six-week siege of Fort Bourbon.[1] During the War of 1812, he sustained serious injuries on the New York frontier. In 1814-15, he was entrusted with delivering a crucial dispatch from Montreal to Upper Canada that announced the conclusion of hostilities.[1] His unit was then dispatched to Europe to confront Napoleon following his escape from Elba, but upon arrival at the English Channel, they discovered the Battle of Waterloo had already ended. MacDermott’s subsequent postings included various locations throughout the UK and Mediterranean region, and he traveled extensively through France, Switzerland, and Italy. While stationed at Argostoli, Cephalonia, he encountered Lord Byron and, during a leave in England, conveyed the final cantos of Don Juan to Sir John Cam Hobhouse.[1] He remained with his regiment until 1829, when he sold his commission to emigrate to Australia.[1]
Business career in Australia
In 1830, MacDermott relocated to Western Australia alongside several former officers, where he engaged in farming along the Swan River. He secured ownership of 5,000 acres along with entitlements to more than 20,000 additional acres through introduced property and servant rights.[1] He was instrumental in establishing Swan River’s inaugural bank and was appointed its Manager.[1] Following a merger with the Bank of Australasia five years later, MacDermott assumed management of the combined institution. When plans emerged to close the Perth branch, he transitioned to managing its Adelaide branch.[1] Upon departing Swan River, he received accolades from leading local dignitaries. Married shortly before emigrating, all his children were born in Western Australia.[1] Under his stewardship in Adelaide, the Australasian Bank experienced notable growth. Together with George Tinline, he advocated for the Bullion Act, which played a pivotal role in stabilizing the colony’s financial system during a period of crisis. Soon after these developments, MacDermott left banking to engage in broader commercial enterprises, which ultimately did not succeed.[1]
Political career
In 1855, MacDermott contested the Noarlunga District seat for the South Australian Legislative Council—a chamber composed of two-thirds elected members and one-third appointed nominees—but was defeated and accepted an appointment as a nominee instead. He was quickly named Chairman of Committees and served on the Council from 25 October 1855 until its dissolution on 2 February 1857.
Following this, MacDermott represented Flinders in the South Australian House of Assembly from 23 February 1857 until 1 September 1859. During this period, he briefly held the position of Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration from 1 to 30 September 1857.
Late life and legacy
In 1859, MacDermott was appointed as a Special Magistrate, initially overseeing judicial matters in Willunga and Morphett Vale before relocating north to administer courts in Redruth, Clare, Auburn, and Riverton. After serving ten years as a Stipendiary Magistrate, he retired with high praise from both the legal community and local residents. Throughout his life, MacDermott remained a devoted adherent of the Church of England, maintaining deep religious commitments.
Towards the end of his life, he prepared a brief summary of his professional journey intended for his family, which was later acquired by the South Australian Advertiser. He left behind his wife and three daughters. His eldest daughter, Caroline (circa 1822–1855), was married to Francis Dutton, C.M.G., who served as Premier of South Australia during the 1860s, and she was the mother of Sir Frederick Dutton (1855–circa 1930).