James Mott

Background

He was born in Cowneck in North Hempstead on Long Island, to a Quaker family. James taught for two years at the Nine Partners Boarding School in Millbrook, New York where his father was the superintendent.

Career

James then began work as a partner in Lucretia"s father"s nail business in Philadelphia. In 1822, James became a textile merchant dealing in cotton. His Hicksite Quaker opposition to slavery, combined with increasing calls to end slavery by boycotting slave goods, influenced James to switch to dealing in wool, produced without the labor of slaves.

In 1833, he attended the founding meeting of the American Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia, and signed the convention"s declaration.

Later, he helped found the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society with Lucretia. In 1841, he published Three Months in Great Britain, an account of the journey he took with Lucretia to attend the World"s Anti-Slavery Convention in London in 1840.

James Mott participated as an official delegate. He and Lucretia signed the convention"s Declaration of Sentiments.

In 1864, James helped start Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.

He died of pneumonia in Brooklyn, New York in 1868.

Connections

brother-in-law:

Lindley Murray Moore