Abstract: Davenport in a partnership with William O. Schmidt which continued until the latter's death in 1908, after which he practiced alone until about a year before bis deatb wben Edward O. Doerr became bis partner.He became an alderman of tbe city tbe same year be began practicing law, 1889, and was elected mayor in 1893 wben only twenty-six years old.He was tbree times re-elected, the terms tben bebig but one year eacb.He was a member of tbe Board of Education from 1898 to 1901, and was corporation counsel of tbe city from 1913 to 1914.Besides tbese local activities be took part in larger political aíFairs.In 1893, tbe same year be was elected mayor, be was permanent cbairman of tbe Democratic State Convention.In 1900 be was tbe Democratic candidate for Congress from tbe Second District, but was defeated by J. N. W. Rumple.In 1912 be was a delegate to tbe Democratic National Convention, and on February 10, 1914, was elected to Congress to fill tbe vacancy caused by tbe deatb of I. S. Pepper, and served from tbat date to Marcb 3, 1915, baving in 1914 declined to be a candidate for re-election.He was a man of strong convictions, fearless in speech and action.In 1896 be bolted tbe free silver wing of tbe Democratic party under tbe leadership of W. J. Bryan, but when bis party dropped tbat issue he resumed his party allegiance.He was a brilliant and persuasive orator and a cbarming conversationalist.He was for many years a prominent member of tbe Davenport Turners and was bonored witb tbe presidency of tbe National Turners' Association.