The history of Queens County would be incomplete without mention of Captain Mott, one of its old and highly respected citizens, who now makes his home in Freeport. He was born near this place in 1822, his parents being Joseph and Susanna (Gautier) Mott, natives of Long Island and New York City, respectively. The father for many years followed the trade of a mason, and subsequently engaged in the hotel business at Greenwich Point until his decease, which occurred in 1834. His good wife departed this life in 1852.

As soon as old enough our subject attended the schools in his home district, but when only a lad of thirteen years was compelled to make his own way in the world. His first employment was as clerk in a mercantile establishment in Babylon, L. I., afterwards at Hempstead and East Rockaway, in which capacity he remained altogether for four years. His love for the water then overcame every other desire and he went to sea, following this kind of life for twenty-seven years, during all of which time, with the exception of the first two years, he was master of a vessel which plied between New York and foreign ports. While in command of his vessel he visited the West Indies and Mexico. In 1868 he retired, continuing his residence in Brooklyn until the spring of 1878, when he located upon the old homestead in the suburbs of Freeport, where he has resided ever since.

Captain Mott was united in marriage in 1844 to Miss Rebecca R., daughter of Israel and Charlotte (Clarke) Howell, natives of Sag Harbor. Only one son survives of their union, William Harvey, who makes his home in Brooklyn. He married Augusta Porterfield and they have a daughter, Leola R. Captain and Mrs. Mott hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected for several years. In politics the former is at all times and under all circumstances an uncompromising Democrat. The kind of life which he led for over a quarter of a century prevented his holding any positions of public trust and honor, although he would doubtless have proved a satisfactory official.

May 13, 1894, the Captain and his wife celebrated their golden wedding, and many of their old-time friends were present to congratulate them. Although seventy-three and seventy years old respectively, they are enjoying excellent health.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

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