Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1890-01-11
HE LEFT A WILL.
Hon. Bailey Davenport Made at
Least One Last Testament.
Ii Was Executed Many Years Ago,
but Is Believed there was One Later
mysterious circumstances.

The ARGUS in its account of the late
Bailey Davenport last evening. stated the
belief that the deceased had left will,
though many were inclined to think such
was lot the case The theory that there
was final testament was diligently pur-
sued, however. aud late last evening the
search resulted in the discovery
that will had been made be-
fore the law firm of Putnam & Rogers, in
Davenport and that it was still in posses
sion Of that firms successors. An ARGUS
reporter called upon the late Mr.. c. s.
Putnam's son this morning, and from him
learned that Mr.. Davenport had drawn q
will in regular form in April, 1855,
and that it had been in the firms posses
sion since, but he declined to divulge its
contents until after it was filed. He
stated, though, that during the forenoon
he would file it in the probate court here.
Thus assured. the reporter returned to
Rock Island pretty well satisfied that the
contents of the document of such impor-
lance would be public matter during the
day. But later events changed the as
pect Of things. When certain of the heirs
in Davenport saw the will. they protested
against its publication until search
could be made for a later will. They were
evidently not pleased with the provisions
made so long ago and were anxious
that g later one should be found. Toward
boon, Mr. Putnam, who, by the way,
repre- sents one of the heirs, accompanied
by bIessrs Chas Hubbell and A j.
Hirschl, ATTORNEYS for others of the heirs,
came to Rock Island and in company
with Col. Curtis, called at the Peoples
bank and there Judge Adams was also
summoned and the expediency of open
ing tile sealed boxes and searching for a
later will discussed. The idea was
finally abandoned, temporarily at least.
This afternoon another conference was
held At Dir. Putnam's office in Daven-
port, but whether the investigation will
be dropped until after the funeral has not
as yet been determined.
Rumors have been plenty ever since
Mr.. DsveDport's death that q will had
been made in the past two years and tina,
Mr.. +. G Massie, one of Mr.. Davenport
employees. had signed 1t. This,
together with numerous other reports
were faithfully traced by the AR,
GUS until the fact that there was no truth
in them was satisfactorily established
the possibility that there is a later will
than the one referred to above, and one
that be1u, sths q large block off not
his entire estate-to educational and pub.
lie purposes, still remains nevertheless.
The entire contents of the will so long
held in custody in Davenport still re.
man a secret, though it is known
that the late brother of the deceased,
Geo. L. Davenport, is named as executor
and hat relatives are remembered, snd
so is the public, but it, of course, to q
certa extent, ignores present heirs then
unborn.
THE FUNERAL.
The funeral, as stated yesterday, will
be held from Mr.. Davenport's late home
on Seventh avenue at 2 O'Clock tomorrow
| afternoon.
Mayor McConochie has requested the
ex-msyors of the city to act as honorary
pail hearers and the list includes DR.. P
Gregg, Capt. T. ]. Butord, DR.. C. Trues-
dale, B. II. Kimball, J. NJ. Buford. Port
ter Skinner, DR.. Thomas Gait, E. P.
Rey nolds, Henry Carse and V. NJ.
Blaming The active pail bearers have
not as yet been entirely agreed upon by
Undertaken B. F. Knox. in whose hands
the matter was placed.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fergle, of South Rocl
Island, is said to be half sister of Mr.
Davenport, and Mrs. Mary Brandle, OF
this city, a niece.
| RESOLUTIONS.
At the meeting of the directors of the
Rock Island & Milan street railway
yesterday afternoon, Messrs. Peter Fries
E. ". Hurst and C.. H. Stoddsrd wer
appointed a committee to draft suitable
resol utions upon the death of Mr.. Daven
port and this morning the following wer
prepared:
WHEREAS, The Hon. Bailey Daven
port, the president of this company, ha
been suddenly removed from all earthl
activities by the hand of death; and
| WHEREAS, During the many year
whiC he has resided In the communit,
he has faithfully filled many positions o
trust and honor; therefore be it
Rss0iUed, That in his death this com
pany has lost president who directe
its affairs honestly and efficiently; tn
com nunity at large one whs was faith
full public servant. deserving of the homo
it conferred upon HIM by electing hil
seven times to the highest Office in it
gift and the poor friend who was eye
kline and generous; be it further
RssoIUed, That as a tribute of the es
TEEN in which he was held by the direC
tors of the company, these resolutions b
spre ad upon its records and copy fur
nish ed the Iress for publication
"a Base Hit"
The great farce comedy. "a Base Hit