James Mott facts for kids
James Mott (born June 20, 1788 – died January 26, 1868) was an important Quaker leader. He was also a teacher, a merchant, and worked hard to end slavery. He was married to Lucretia Mott, who was a famous leader for women's rights.
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Early Life and Education
James Mott was born on Long Island, New York, in a place called Cow Neck. He grew up in a Quaker family. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs and for working for social justice.
James was one of seven children. Later, he taught for two years at the Nine Partners Boarding School in New York. A boarding school is a school where students also live. His father was in charge of the school at that time.
Marriage and Family
While at Nine Partners School, James met his future wife, Lucretia Coffin. She was a student there and later became a teacher's helper. James and Lucretia got married on April 10, 1811, in Philadelphia.
They had six children together. Five of their children lived to be adults: four daughters and one son. After getting married, James started working with Lucretia's father in his nail business in Philadelphia.
Fighting Against Slavery
In 1822, James Mott became a textile merchant, selling cotton. However, he was a Quaker and strongly against slavery. Many people at the time were calling for a boycott of goods made by enslaved people. This meant not buying products like cotton that were produced using slave labor.
Because of his beliefs, James decided to stop selling cotton. Instead, he started dealing in wool, which was produced without the work of enslaved people. This was part of the Free-produce movement, which encouraged people to buy only goods made by free labor.
- Joining the Anti-Slavery Movement: James Mott, like his wife Lucretia, was a very active abolitionist. An abolitionist is someone who wants to end slavery completely.
- Founding Societies: In 1833, James went to the first meeting of the American Anti-Slavery Society in Philadelphia. He signed their declaration, which was a statement against slavery. Later, he helped start the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society with Lucretia.
- Family Involvement: James's sister, Abigail Mott, and his brother-in-law, Lindley Murray Moore, also helped start the Rochester Anti-Slavery Society in 1838.
World Anti-Slavery Convention
In 1840, James and Lucretia traveled to London to attend the World Anti-Slavery Convention. Even though both of them were official representatives from the United States, the convention voted to not let the women delegates participate. James Mott, however, was able to take part as an official delegate.
In 1841, James wrote a book called Three Months in Great Britain. It was about his journey and experiences at the convention.
Supporting Women's Rights
James Mott was a strong supporter of women's rights, just like his wife. In 1848, he was the chairman of the Seneca Falls Convention. This was the very first convention in the United States focused on women's rights. It was held in Seneca Falls (CDP), New York.
Lucretia Mott was the main speaker at this important event. Both James and Lucretia signed the convention's Declaration of Sentiments. This document listed the rights that women should have, including the right to vote.
Later Life and Legacy
James Mott's brother, Richard Mott, was also involved in politics. He served in the U.S. Congress from 1855 to 1859.
In 1864, James Mott helped to start Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. This college was founded on Quaker principles and aimed to provide education for both men and women.
James Mott passed away in 1868 from pneumonia. He was visiting his daughter in Brooklyn, New York at the time. His life showed a strong dedication to equality and justice for all people.
