In 1815, he moved with his parents to New York City, in 1818 became a clerk in a store, and in 1824 engaged in banking.

He moved to Toledo, Ohio, in 1836 and engaged in the real estate business and other enterprises.

Mott was a Democrat in politics until 1848, when he entered actively into the antislavery movement.

He returned to Toledo, and engaged in banking and the real estate business.

He served as chairman of the citizens' military committee during the Civil War.