Franklin Davenport

Franklin Davenport

Franklin Davenport (born September 1755 in Philadelphia , Province of Pennsylvania , †  July 27, 1832 in Woodbury , New Jersey ) was an American politician who represented the state of New Jersey in both chambers of Congress .

Life

Early life

Franklin Davenport, whose exact date of birth is unknown, was a nephew of founding father Benjamin Franklin . He received an academic education and studied law in Burlington . After his admission to the bar in 1776, he began working as a civil servant in Gloucester County .

However, like other men of his age, he was soon called up as a soldier in the War of Independence , where he was promoted from private to major to the rank of colonel in 1779. That same year he was also raised to the rank of major general , a rank that Davenport held until his death. Additionally, he was promoted to Brigadier General of the Gloucester County Militia in 1796 .

Political activity

In 1781 Davenport moved to the small town of Woodbury, where he again worked as a lawyer. Here he was appointed spokesman for Gloucester County in 1785 before a Chamber of Representatives existed. But just a year later, when a parliament, the New Jersey General Assembly , was established, Davenport also had a seat here from 1786 to 1789.

After John Rutherfurd resigned as a US Senator , Davenport, who was a member of the Federalist Party, was appointed his successor on December 5, 1798. But Davenport was only supposed to be a transitional senator; on March 3, 1799, he left office. Just one day later, on March 4, 1799, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives for New Jersey . However, it should only be active for one legislative period, until March 3, 1801.

Late life

After 1801 things became relatively quiet around Davenport, who resumed his work as a lawyer and criminal defense attorney. He died at the age of 76.

Web links

• Franklin Davenport in the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress (English)