Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-01-09
DEATH OF JOHN McDERMOTT.
An Estimable Citizen and Highly Re-
spected Business Man.


An Estimable Citizen and Highly Re-
spected Business Man.
The announcement Of the death of John
McDermott was a source of genuine sor-
row to all who enjoyed the pleasure OF an
acquaintance with the deceased. His death
occurred last evening at his residence, 315
Missouri avenue, where he had lived for SO
many years, and where he decided to spend
the balance Of his life, in spite Of the
changed character Of the locality. Mr..
McDermott had not been sick long. and it
will be two weeks tomorrow since his last
appearance at his place of business. Then
the pneumonia, the disease which finally
ended his life, made its appearance, and it
was found to be seriously acute attack.
Mr.. McDermott's age-he was seventy-six
years old-was against him in the struggle
against the ravages Of the disease. and
when death came as a relief from his suf-
ferings last night those about his bedside
were not surprised.
To most of the present generation of
Washingtonians Mr.. McDermott was prac-
tically stranger. During the later years
OF his long and honorable career he had
gradually dropped one interest after an
other which connected him with the cur
rent of the city's life and devoted himself
exclusively to his large business interests
and to the management of his property.
AS Is well known, he was the senior men,
Der of the pioneer carriage manufactorytn
this city, and one Of the Oldest establish
ments in that line in the country. Mr..
McDermott was recognized by the trade
throughout the country as one of the vet
Grams in the business. He had record OF
sixty-one years continuously in this line
of business. He had been a continuous
resident of. this city for nearly three-quar-
tiers Of a century.
Went to McLcod's School.
He was born in Ireland in the year 1918.
and was brought to this country by his
father, Michael Nj Dermott, when he was
between three and four years old. After
landing in America Michael McDermott
stayed for a short time in Baltimore, and in
the year 1921 came to this city with his
family. During the early years OF his res
idence here Michael McDermott kept
hotel in a building on the site where the
present st. James Hotel building stands, at
the corner Of Pennsylvania avenue and 9th
street. During these years Mr.. John Nc
Dermott was spending his time as boys
usually do, and acquiring an education at
Mr.. McLeod's school. well-known school
teacher of those days, and an instructor OF
many of the older citizens of the city.
AS all travel was done in those days by
carriages. Mr. Michael McDermott as the
proprietor of popular hosiery in the ma
tons capital, eound that a good many
vehicles reached his stable in a dilapidated
condition. The idea OF establishing Il car
riage mandatory was suggested by his
experience in the hotel business. and in
1888 he retired from the management Of
thu hotel and opened carriage shop on the
site here the present business Is carried
on, 80 Pennsylvania avenue. The founder
forty years. and at that time the business
passed into the hands Of his four sons,
with the eldest. John McDermott, as the
senior member. The firm was then known
er died. one retired from the business.
and Until the death of John the firm has
been composed Of John and James Nc
DermCtt.
Familiar With Local History.
The deceased leaves one son. ]. Arthur
McDermott, who was associated with his
father in business. and two daughters, Mrs.
]. F. Riley Of New York and Miss AGA Nc
Dermott.
In his earlier years Mr.. McDermott was
more actively identified with local affairs
than he was during the latter years of his
life. He was the president of the Perse-
verance Fire Company, a well-known vol
unteer organization for the protection of
property before the date of the organiza-
ton of the paid department. He also COM
manded a company that was formed in this
city during the late war for the protection
of the city. and on account of this mill
tary experience he was called by some of
his friends Capt. McDermott. He was ex-
tremely we'll posted on the history of the
city. and his memory of men and events Of
the past was remarkably strong and distinct
1t gave him great pleasure to converse
with old friends in regard to the early days
of the city and his recollections were large
ly drawn upon by those who had occasion
to write of the past.
Mr.. McDermott was twice married. In
addition 10 his interest in the business he
extensive owner of real estate in
this city and his property interests were
mainly in houses. For a long time Mr. Nc
Dermott attended st. Dominiclls Church in
South Washington, but latterly he had
been memter of st. Patrick's parish. The
funeral services will be held at the latter
church on Friday morning at 10 o'clock
and the internent will be at Mt. Olivet.
The active pall-bearers will be selected
from the employees in the establishment,
some Of whom have been employed there
for thirty years. The pall-bearers will con-
sist of personal friends of the deceased.