[1] Davenport was educated in the public schools of Plymouth, attended Wyoming Seminary and graduated in 1884 from Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, earning a Bachelor of Arts.

After completing college, Davenport was associated in business for two years with his brother, Andrew L. Davenport, who owned a book store on Main Street in Plymouth, after which he studied law under the tutelage of the Honorable George Washington Shonk, a cousin.

In 1890, Davenport was admitted to the Luzerne County Bar, and in 1891 he commenced the practice of law.

In 1884, Davenport was elected Register of Wills of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, being the only Democrat on the ticket who was not defeated.

Following this loss, Davenport resumed the practice of law in Plymouth until his death in 1921 at age 60 following a prolonged illness.