Charles M. McDermott (September 22, 1808 – October 13, 1884) was an American physician and inventor. He is claimed to have been granted the first known American patent for a non-powered airplane, in 1872. He made several inventions (such as a flying machine, a cotton-picker, and a hollow wedge) which were patented. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He died of heart-disease, at his home, Derrnott Station, Chicot County, Arkansas, October 13, 1884, in his 76th year. This article incorporates public domain material from the 1886 Yale Obituary Record.