E. H. Mote, one of the outstanding citizens of Leesburg,was born at Newark, Delaware, on the 24th day of January,1860, son of Jacob H. and Mary Mote. His parents were both natives of Delaware and were of Scotch descent. Mr.Mote received a limited education in the schools of Delaware and on account of his mother's death and father's re-marriage, he went alone to Philadelphia at the early age of eleven where he obtained a job at $3.00 per week,shoveling snow off roofs of houses. Ever since this time, Mr.Mote has been entirely on his own resources.After working at various jobs in Philadelphia he went to Washington, D.C.,in 1876, where he worked in a paper store.
On account of lung trouble, which was probably brought about by his early struggles when a boy,he came to Florida in 1881, settling at Leesburg.He only stayed a year but returned almost immediately and has resided in Leesburg ever since 1882.In January, 1883 Mr. Mote entered the livery business at Leesburg,which he followed with success for a number of years. Leesburg town hall was located over his stable in the ealry days. In connection with his livery business,he operated a stage line from Leesburg to Wildwood.
In 1885 he sold his livery business and purchased the predecessor of the present Lakeview Hotel,which he greatly enlarged and operated for number of years. At the same time he was engaged in the mercantile business in Leesburg,which he continued until freeze of 1895. Mr. Mote has been one of the real builders of Leesburg , at the time when it took courage to build,having erected among other buildings, the Mote Block,which when it was built,was the largest business building in town.For many years Mr,Mote has dealt extensively in the citrus business and has shipped as many as three hundred and fifty carloads in one season.
Commencing about 1900,he devoted much of his time and energy to developing grove properties east of Leesburg.He was the owner and develpoer of "Treasure Island," near Leesburg. Mr.Mote has given much attention to civic affairs.He establish the first waterworks in Leesburg,and in the early days he served as fire chief.He was also mayor for seven or eight terms,holding this office longer than it has ever been held by one person. He also served in the Lower House of the State Legislature for one term. His fraternal affilations are with the Masons and Knights of Pythias.He was married to Lucretia Hansbrough on October 5,1885.
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