Mottville, originally styled "Mottsville", was named after Arthur Mott, who moved to the area about 1820, owned a wool factory, and was for some time a successful and prominent citizen. He died of the effects of alcoholism in Toledo, Ohio, on October 30, 1869.[1] The Friends Female Boarding School was established on the west shore of Skaneateles Lake by Lydia P. Mott, mother of Arthur Mott, soon after her arrival in about 1818.[1]
In 1836 Mottville contained about 30 homes, a post-office, one furnace, a grist and saw mill, and a tavern. Skaneateles Falls also developed into a busy center with a post-office. Other hamlets in the vicinity were Kellogg's Mills, Willow Glen, and Glenside.[1]
A local newspaper, the Communitist [sic], was launched in early 1844, issued fortnightly by the Skaneateles Community, at Community Place, near Mottville, promoted by the Vermont-born abolitionist and communalist John A. Collins.[1]
