The Mote-Morris House, was built in 1892 for eight-term Leesburg mayor, Edward H. Mote, and his wife Lucretia, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It cost about $9,000 to build.
The two-story home has been owned by three families. The Motes moved from the home in 1908 and Bishop Henry Clay Morrison bought it as a retirement residence. And in 1918, the home was sold to John S. and May James Morris. A member of the Morris family would live in the house for the next 70 years.
Morrison United Methodist Church bought the house in August 1988 and offered it to whoever would move it. Residents of Leesburg rallied round the old house and raised $95,000 for a new site. On Sept. 1, 1990, the Mote-Morris House was relocated to 1195 W. Magnolia Street from 1021 W. Main Street. More than 400 people watched as the 150-ton house was moved one block south and two blocks west.
The Mote-Morris House is a fine example late Victorian architecture. It is an interesting combination of styles, including its four-story turret, and two-story bay on the east side of the house. It is one of only a few original residences remaining. The house was built shortly after the town was platted. It has had only minor changes in its 102-year history. Several bathrooms have been added, as well as a porch or two.
For more Research Info:
http://www.leesburgflorida.gov/history/mote_morris.aspx
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