 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.