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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JOSEPH MOTLEY, of Oskaloosa, was born in North Carolina, in September, 1835. While a child his parents emigrated to Tennessee, and when about ten years of age, in the year 1845 he removed with his parents to Madi- son County, Ill. Here he grew to manhood, and here, in 1858, was married to Almira Wilson, by whom two children were born, both dying in in- fancy; the mother died in 1859. In 1861 Mr Motley enlisted in the 1st Nebraska Regiment, and was in the engagement at Cape Girardeau, Fts. Henry and Donelson, and Shiloh. He was one of the first men to enlist from that State, and after serving his country two years and eight months was discharged by reason of physical disability, having lost his eyesight. From a generous govern- ment he received a back pension amounting to $1,400, and now receives a regular allowance of $14 per month. Mr. Motley's second marriage took place in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1866, to Miss Sarah C. Elliott, born in Ohio, Sept. 18, 1849, and a daughter of Hosea Elliott. By this union there are three chil- dren, all living, namely: Charles W., Carrie I. and Frank W.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy