Archives West Finding Aid

Judge Mortimer H. Lott was born in December 1827 at Lottsville, Pennsylvania. He moved west in 1857 settling in Kansas and Colorado, prior to his move to Montana in 1862. Lott and his brother John helped build Fort Kearny in 1863. The brothers opened their first general store in Nevada City. In 1865, the Lott brothers moved to Twin Bridges. Judge Lott married Melvina J. Carson in 1880. Lott died October 4, 1920.

John S. Lott was born in Pennsylvania, November 1829. John was active in the formation of the vigilance committee in Montana. He served on the jury when George Ives was captured and sentenced. He also lead the party which arrested Sherriff Plummer, head of the Alder Gulch road agents, and took him to his place of execution. Lott with his brother Mortimer established the Lott Mercantile in Twin Bridges. John died May 23, 1910.

Melvina J. Lott née Carson was born in Pennsylvania, April 1854. Melvina moved to Twin Bridges in 1879 as a school teacher. Melvina and Mortimer Lott had two children, Mare E. Lott Comfort and Mortimer J. Lott. Melvina was active in the Twin Bridges Woman’s Club and helped Mortimer document the history of Twin Bridges. She died October 9, 1942.

Mortimer J Lott was born May 25, 1892 in Twin Bridges, Montana. Lott was a former member of the Montana House of representatives (1932-1936), state senator (1938-1954), one time Twin Bridges mayor, and son Twin Bridges founder Mortimer H. Lott. He also operated a stock ranch on the original Lott homestead. Senator Lott died November 3, 1957.

The Lott’s were founding members of Twin Bridges, Montana. In 1890, they had the town plated. They provided financial and moral support to the Montana State Normal University at Twin Bridges. They donated 100 acres of land to the State Orphan’s Home, as well as giving 45 acres for the county fair grounds and race track.