Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-12-15

came up the river with his COM
maud, and decided to build Fort
Armstrong on the island Of Rock Isl
and. The first troops we're landed
May 10. 1916. Here for many
years Mr.. Davenport furnished the
army with supplies. He was also
active in trading merchandise with
the Indians. receiving valuab be furs in
return. He would give the chiefs Of
villages credit for 100000 at one
time, relying entirely upon their
promise for payment This was
never broken. The Indians had great
faith in his honesty and integrity,
and often at the peril Of his life he
served as peacemaker, and settled
troubles between the whites and the
red men.
During tho BLACK Hawk War.
During the Black Hawk war.
Gov. Reynolds, of Illinois, appointed
him acting quartermaster general
with the rank of colonel. In the fall
Of 1887, as interpreter, he accom-
panied Black Hawk, Keokuk and
other Indians on an eastern trip.
The party descended the Mississippi
and went up the Ohio river to Wheel.
ing. Here they took coaches over
the great national road to Washing
ton. A lad at that time living on
this road, we'll remember this party
Of Indians. Black Hawk, especially,
had national fame.
"In 1912 Col. Davenport ceased
trading. He had been engaged in
this way for % years. During this
time he made 20 trips in boats TO St.
Louis. He had large real estate in
terests in Davenport. Rock Island
and vicinity, and engaged in improv-
ing his property. He was well pre-
served physically and babe fair TO
live many years to enjoy his we'll
earned prosperity. A band of rob-
bers assass;nated him in his home on
the island July 4, 1915, when he was
alone. His family was in Rock ISL
and celebrating our national holiday.
His age was 60 years.
1.-The lifa of Col. Davenport was
active, generous and brave. OF for
eign birth he proved himself true
American. The red man honored
and loved him. One Of his biogrsph-
ers says he deserves place with
William Penn, because he always be-
lieved in and practically treated the
Indian as man.
1.-The Misses Davenport present
this portrait to Rock Island county
as tribute OF affection to the mem
DRY of their grandfather, who was SO
closely associated with the early his
tory OF our county"
Chairman Csrey's Reply.
Chairman w. x. Carey, of the
county board, accepted the gift in
in behalf Of his colleagues and the
people Of the county. He thanked
the donors and the two gentlemen
who had taken such On interest in
the matter. He said he believed
everyone realized and appreciated
the valuable services of the carly
pioneers, of whom Col. Davenport was
one and could see the fruits of their
labors and patriotism on every hand.
"Those who built up the county"
continued Chairman Carey. .'are fast
passing away. but their memories
will live in the hearts of the genera
ton of today and those that ere to
come"
A resolution presented by Super
visor George extending vote Of
thanks to the Misses Davenport
and Maj. Connolly and Col. Curtis;
providing for the appointment of
Maj. Connolly, Col. Curtis aud
Sheriff Hemcnway as committee
to select On appropriate place for
the hanging of the picture; and in
structing that Maj. Connelly's pre-
sentation speech be spread upon the
records, was unanimously adopted
BY standing vote. Chairman Carey
thereupon appointed the committee
as named in the resolution.