JAMES MCDERMOTT
James B. McDermott came in March, 1857, and purchased of Dr. G.S. Morrison the southeast quarter of section 35, on which he made a permanent settlement.
James B. McDermott located in March, 1859, upon the southeast quarter of section 35, Benton township, where he now resides. He purchased the land at that time, of Dr. G.S. Morrison, who then lived in Grant township. At that time the only settlements in Benton, were on Crooked and Troublesome creeks. Mr. McDermott is a native of Richland county, Ohio, born in 1826. He was reared to the occupation of farming. He came to this State in 1855, accompanied by his family, and his brother Marcus, and his family. He lived in the southern part of Red Oak township, in Cedar county, two years, coming to Cass county, November 1, 1857. He had purchased his land here the previous year. Mr. McDermott is one of the large and successful farmers and stock raisers of Cass county. He increased his quarter section to about six hundred and forty acres. He has divided much of his land among his sons, but still owns the most of his original purchase. He was married to Elizabeth E. Westheffer, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1825. She removed with her parents to Ohio in 1844. Mr. McDermott's parents were Mark and Sarah McDermott. His father died several years since. His mother is still living at an advanced age. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and among the early settlers of that part of Ohio. Mrs. McDermotts parents were William and Mary Westheffer. Mr. McDermott was previously married in Ohio, and lost his wife there. He had two children by his first marriage...Martin L., and Anna E. He has by his second marriage, four children ...Charles W., James D., Verdie and Eva B. The youngest three were born in Benton township.
Transcribed by Gloria Goltiani from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pp. 638-639.
