Born in Ontario, Canada on November 28, 1836, where he was reared and educated. He received liberal educational opportunities, completing a classical course in the University of Toronto, following which he began the study of medicine, graduating with the class of 1866 from the medical department of that university. Following his graduation he went to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he became a student in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which he was graduated. He then came to the United States and decided to locate at Omaha but prior to beginning his practice there he determined to revisit his old home in Canada and on his journey he got off of the train at each stop and when he did so at Casey he met old Dr. Warren, who told him that Fontanelle was an excellent location for a physician and surgeon. Dr. McDermid was a man of quick decision and at once made up his mind to begin his practice here. He took his baggage from the train and discontinued his journey to Canada, making his way directly to Fontanelle, where he opened an office. Dr. Peter McDermid came to Fontanelle purchased a large drug store, pursuing this business in connection with his medical practice. He arrived in this city in 1869 and for three decades, or until his death, which occurred in 1899, he followed his profession here, gaining a wide reputation throughout the surrounding country. An able practitioner and a skilled surgeon, he built up a large and lucrative practice. He was a member of the Twenty-third General Assembly, and in community affairs took a deep and helpful interest. He married Miss Anna Heatherington, a native of Pennsylvania.