Biography

Richard Davenport graduated from the United States Navy Academy in 1869 after entering in 1864. He was the son of Captain Henry K. Davenport and Jennie Brent Davenport. He retired as a Commodore in 1907, but was recalled to active duty in WWI as Rear Admiral and sent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He was in active service for 42 years with varied services including working at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1875 & 1876, as well as with the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. Robert Davenport was also active in the war with Spain and made a biological survey of Puerto Rican waters in 1892 & 1899. He held the West Indian medal, the Sampson medal with bars for Naval engagements and the World War Victory Medal.