Joseph M. Mott, one of the prominent farmers of Clayton County, was a son of Mathias and Louisa (Potes) Mott, natives of Lichenstein and Mechlenburg-schwerein, Germany, respectively. They came to the United States in 1852, and located in Clayton County, Ia., where Louisa died in 1879. Our subject was born in Jefferson Township, Clayton County, Ia., April 15, 1855, where he was educated. He has always followed farming, and now owns 200 acres on section 3, mostly under fine cultivation. In 1876 he married Mary, daughter of Theodore and Mary Barns, natives of Prussia, who came to Jefferson Township many years ago. Theodore died in 1878. By this marriage there are three children - Anna, born Nov. 1, 1877; Theodore, April 20, 1879; and William, Jan. 17, 1881. Mr. Mott and wife are members of the Roman Catholic church. He votes the Republican ticket. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 779 |