James W. Motley

James W. Motley (September 3, 1836—June 4, 1887) was an American legislator and physician who represented district 3 of the Texas Senate during the 15th and 16th legislatures. At the time, district 3 was composed of Panola, Rusk, and Shelby County.

Early life Motley was born on September 3, 1836, in Autauga County, Alabama. (It has also been reported that Motley was born in 1839 and is from North Carolina.)

Texas Senate Prior to his election to the Texas Senate, Motley had never held public office. He married Annie Henderson, the daughter of a local minister, not long after the Civil War. They had six children together; one of whom, Robert Motley, was the mayor of Overton.

He was a Master of the Millville Lodge of Free Masons, as well as a Master of the Millville Lodge of Grangers and Rusk County Council.

He died on June 4, 1887.