BIG BEND p. 126: CHAPTER IV. CITIES AND TOWNS. DAVENPORT

________________________

ch. 3, pt. 3: pp. 118-126      TABLE OF CONTENTS      DAVENPORT part 2: p. 134

________________________

126 (continued)

CHAPTER IV.

____________

CITIES AND TOWNS.

     Traversed by three railways, two of them the main lines of great transcontinental systems, Lincoln county is, as would necessarily be the natural result, well supplied with thrifty, substantial cities, towns and villages.  They lie along the Columbia river, the Central Washington, Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways, and between these four great arteries of transportation are numerous smaller villages and settlements supplying, in a business way, the immediate necessities of their adjacent farming communities.  In 1903, according to the report of the Washington State Bureau of Statistics, there were in the county 129 school districts and eleven towns maintaining graded schools.  At this period the number has been increased as will be seen from the chapter devoted to the educational interests of Lincoln county.  Of the more prominent towns the leading one is the capital of the county.

DAVENPORT.

     It is situated in the center of a wide scope of gently rolling prairie, and it may truthfully be said that the land surrounding it is not excelled in point of fertility by that of any other agricultural district in the United States.  The location of Davenport is a natural point of gravitation from this rich section of Washington's territory.  The selection of this site would seem simply dictated by good, common sense and business sagacity; it is an ideal, eligible location.  The splendid springs adjacent to the city would, in themselves, prove strong inducements to one seeking a town site, but aside from these there are many other points equally persuasive.

     Davenport lies in a circular valley of level but not low or swampy land. From the rim of this valley rise the undulating lands that surround it, by easy, almost imperceptible, ascent.  On one side of this attractive vale low hills rise more abruptly than do those adjoining them; natural barriers against occasional winds that sweep over the prairies.  The surrounding country is a succession of rounded knolls, the sides of which recede in graceful curves; the utility of which is excellent drainage.  The elevation of the city proper is 2,470 feet, one of the highest points in Lincoln county.  In the spring of

________________________

127

1902 the population of this city was 1,393, a gain of 393 since the government census of 1900; the present population is given by the state bureau of statistics as 1,729.

     The history of the town of Davenport dates from the year 1880.  Early in that year a man by the name of Harker took up his abode at the head of Cottonwood creek, on the present town site, and surrounded by no familiar neighbors, other than the rather unsocial coyote, solitary and alone he began the life of an honest granger.  Where now stands the thrifty, enterprising town of Davenport he was the sole inhabitant; his the homestead from which was carved the town site.  But Mr. Harker soon disposed of of his slender equity in the land. The large spring near the center of the town was, at that period, surrounded by a grove of cottonwood trees.  For several years the post office established in its vicinity was known as Cottonwood post office.

     While Mr. Harker was the sole person residing where is now Davenport, there were a few settlers at a distance.  "Harker's place" was located on the road leading through the Big Bend country, and there was more or less travel continually.  Those were the days of the earlier immigrants and home seekers in this portion of eastern Washington.  Mr. Harker was the presiding official of Cottonwood Post Office.  He might also have been termed the pioneer business man of the town, although he did not carry in stock a very complete line of goods.  A few articles of general merchandise he had, however, and these he disposed of at fairly remunerative prices to travelers and incoming settlers.  But it was destined that Mr. Harker should not long remain monarch of all he surveyed.  According to Mr. H. H. McMillan, to whom we are indebted for much of the information concerning earlier Davenport, the original business house was established in July, 1881.  John H. Nicholls turned the first sod and laid the foundation of the first building in Davenport, a combination structure to be utilized as store, dwelling, post office and hotel.

     At this period Davenport was known as "Cottonwood Creek."  But with equal propriety the town might have been aptly named "Nichollsville," for were not Mr. Nicholls and his estimable wife for several years the life, the inspiration, the good genii of the place?  Mr. Nicholls' store was situated on "Harker street," and he hauled his goods from Cheney and Spokane Falls, located on the main line of the Northern Pacific railroad, then but recently completed.  Previous to this time provisions and other freight had been hauled from Colfax and Walla Walla.  Mr. Nicholls was a sagacious, energetic business man, of fine social qualities and strong character.  He rapidly grew prosperous but with the advent of the Central Washington railroad he disposed of his business interests in "Cottonwood Creek' to Mr. William Finney.

     The succeeding structures to follow the initial edifice were a feed stable and saloon, which were, also, built by Mr. Nicholls.  The latter conducted the feed stable ; the saloon was under the proprietorship of John Courtwright, who subsequently became a leading Mondovi farmer.  These few business ventures rounded out progress and development of "Cottonwood Creek" for the year 1881.  The succeeding year of 1882 was accentuated by two events in the brief history of the "Creek."  One of these was the arrival of Robert Cameron, who purchased the saloon mentioned and at once christened it "Bub's Place."  The other event of the year was of greater importance, being no less than the organization, or rather, inauguration of a rival city.  Mr. Nicholls' town was located on the lower ground where now stands the business portion of Davenport.  In 1882 Mr. J. C. Davenport came to the country and planned the building of a rival town on the higher land to the south, about midway between where the Central Washington Railway station is located,

________________________

128

and the Nicholls store on Harker street.  Mr. Davenport and one or two associates erected five buildings — an extensive store and warehouse, a saloon, blacksmith shop and dwelling. To this "opposition" village was given the name of Davenport in honor of its founder and leading spirit, but by the inhabitants of the "lower town" it was called "Over the Hill."  This embryonic city, however bright its prospects at its inception, was short-lived.  It fell a victim to the fire-fiend, two of the most prominent buildings being destroyed.  They were not rebuilt.  Richard Traul, owner and proprietor of the saloon, quietly withdrew to the "old town" of "Cottonwood Creek," where he took possession of the Harker house and rehabilitated it to such an extent that he was enabled to pursue his saloon business in tranquil prosperity.  But following in the wake of Mr. Traul came the name, "Davenport," and the waif from the rival city was captured and it immediately replaced that of "Cottonwood Creek."  By one stroke of misfortune Davenport lost not only its entity but its cognomen.

     The year 1883 brought to Davenport — the new Davenport — A. Melzer, who at once erected and became proprietor of the Cottonwood brewery.  The pioneer lawyer of Davenport, J. C. Small, located the same year in a building erected by him.  In company with many other pioneer professional men, Mr. Small sagaciously conducted the development of his homestead in addition to looking after the legal interests of the community.  Subsequently he formed a law partnership with C. H. Pryor, at that period superintendent of public instruction of Lincoln county, but this association was soon terminated by the death of Mr. Pryor.  About the same time James Rogers built a hotel which he successfully conducted for over two years.  At this period there were many favorable incentives to the growth of Davenport, including the creation and organization of Lincoln county in 1883-4, and the temporary location here of the county seat.  A building; to be used for court house purposes was erected and rented to the new county officials.  In this enterprise a prominent part was performed by Mr. Bernard Fitzpatrick.  To the little village of Davenport the year 1884 added such staunch men as Henry Keedy, Colin Campbell, J. W. Johnson, Deen & Green, a general merchandise firm and a number of others.  In the fall of 1884 occurred the most important and exciting" event
in the history of Davenport — the great and memorable county seat contest — in the course of which all the county records were removed to Sprague, in the extreme southern portion of the county.  The interesting and rather spectacular details of this sensational event will be found in full in the first chapter of this History of Lincoln County.

     June 12, 1884, the first issue of the Lincoln Leader made its appearance.  From a perusal of the initial production of this journalistic venture, which existed only a few months, one gains a fair idea of the progress made by Davenport up to that period.  J. H. Nicholls was the moving spirit of the "cross-roads village" in those days.  He conducted a general merchandise store, a hotel, a livery stable and was postmaster.  The business houses consisted of the City Hotel, Rogers & Boyce, proprietors, J. H. Nicholls, merchant, J. W. Johnson, blacksmith, A. Melzer, brewery, R. J. Cameron and Dick Radcliff, saloons, White & Cameron,
hardware, J. C. Small, attorney, and M. M. Hopkins, physician.  North of the town was a sawmill operated by Warner & Roe.  Local items stated that Cal Simmons was about to burn a kiln of brick and C. H. Pryor had recently opened the public school.

     During the earlier portion of 1885 there were in Davenport three substantial business houses.  Perhaps the most important acquisition to the city during this year was the Lincoln County Times, published by F. M. Gray.  Two general mercantile stores were established the same year, one by Kaminsky & Son, of Cheney, and represented here by Louis Kaminsky; the

________________________

129

other a branch store by the widely known firm of Ostroski, Breslauer & Co., also of Cheney, Mr. Breslauer having charge of the Davenport venture.  James E. Roe, at one period interested in the sawmill business near Larene, was a resident of Davenport a short time during the year 1885, and here he erected a building later known as the Boyes hotel. Quite a number of newly arrived citizens appeared upon the scene in 1886, among them being Thomas Edwards.  Samuel Sullivan opened a furniture store.  Dr. Whitney came, and J. A. Hoople established a harness shop.  January 1, 1887, there were in Davenport three general mercantile stores, one saddle and harness shop, one drug store, one butcher shop, one law and real estate office, one lawyer, two wagon shops, two general blacksmith shops, three livery and feed stables, one hotel, one contractor and builder, two agricultural implement agencies, two saloons, one doctor, one hardware store, one school house, one furniture store and one newspaper.  Here, then, were nearly all the representative commercial and professional enterprises usually found in any wide-awake, progressive western town.  The present gave promise of a flattering future which has been fully realized.  There were many new comers during the year 1887-8 and a number of new business enterprises were established.  Foremost among the up builders of the town was Mr. C. C. May. who came in 1879.  He had at once engaged in the real estate business and contributed to the practical development of the young town by erecting a number of substantial buildings.  As said then by the Lincoln County Times:

     A new year has never dawned upon Davenport with brighter prospects and greater promise than does the year 1888.  Through every channel of industry that pertains to the general advancement of the town and country, the outlook is must gratifying.  An era of railroad building is approaching, immigration of a most substantial character will certainly commence so soon as the winter subsides; mines on all sides are being opened and developed which promise to be of the greatest source of commercial benefit possible to the country, and last but not least the farmer who confidently looks forward to the transportation of his grain by rail next season, has made extensive preparations for a largely increased acreage from which be expects handsome profits.  Taking things altogether we are to be congratulated upon the brilliant prospects the future has in store for us, and while we thus rest complacently upon the assurance of good times, we extend an invitation to others to come and share prosperity with us, believing our town and country affords superior inducements to any one combining a little energy with enterprise to accumulate a fair proportion of world's goods.

     In addition to those already mentioned there were, according to an article written by Mr. H. H. McMillan, on December 24, 1888, the following business houses in Davenport on that date: two hotels, Hay & Grutt, general merchandise; Finney, general merchandise; Osborne, photographer; Jackson Brock, lawyer; Herrin. agent for Frank Brothers, implements; Moore & Son, harness and shoe shop; Oliver, drayman; Kruzer Brothers, butchers; Ratcliff, butcher ; Turner, implement agent; Dearling, livery stable; Tuttle, blacksmith; Markham, livery stable; Lee, sewing-machine agent; Poulson, blacksmith; Olson, jewelry and watch-making; Robinson, notions and restaurant; Goodsell, millinery; O'Connor, saloon; Boon, saloon; Crawford, barber; Merriam, restaurant.  At this period there were two church organizations in Davenport, the M. E.. the earlier of the two in its origin, and the Presbyterian.

     The approach of the Seattle. Lake Shore & Eastern railroad to its temporary terminus within a little less than five miles of Davenport in December, 1888, appeared to be a signal for something approaching the nature of a boom.  December 7th the Lincoln County Times said:

     "On every side one sees new buildings under course of construction and the sound of the carpenter's hammer extends far into the night.  The new depot is among the principal buildings now in process of erection and around it centers most of the interest of our citizens.  Freight from the terminus of the new railroad, but a short distance away, is landed in town daily.  Strangers seeking locations in all branches of

________________________

130

business select this town as headquarters and all acknowledge that few places in eastern Washington offer the inducements of the Big Bend.  The elevator is daily storing large consignments of grain, preparatory to shipping to other points, and freighters' teams make this city their destination instead of surrounding towns.  The 'boom' has struck Davenport and will stop with us for some time."

     In December of that year the residents of Davenport began to ambitiously voice the opinion that their municipal home was then larger than Cheney, and that within six months it would rival in size the city of Sprague.  New buildings were going up daily, the real estate market was active and great was the volume of general business.  January 18, 1889, the Lincoln County Times as evidence of enterprise and municipal energy, began agitation for the removal of the territorial capital from Olympia to Davenport.  Truly, this was a worthy ambition if a trifle audacious.  It was, however, the consensus of opinion that Davenport "had no more show than a rabbit."  But Ralph Waldo Emerson had long before advised his readers to "Hitch your wagon to a star," and the editor of the Times was simply following the advice of the Sage of Concord.

     During the early part of 1889 Davenport was, certainly, a lively town.  The real estate men were very active in booming the place and much money was spent in advertising.  Not only did Davenport gain a local reputation as a coming town, but in the cities of the Sound, as well, was it advertised as the coming metropolis of Central Washington.  The result was that real estate moved freely and lots were sold at profitable rates.  Each day witnessed the arrival of strangers in the town who either engaged in business or sought employment.  The accommodations were not sufficient to care for all who came.  "People are arriving every day and are disappointed in not finding quarters to occupy.  Any number "of cottages and business houses could be rented at once," said the Times.  "It is to be regretted that the town is not prepared to give immediate accommodations to those desiring to locate, but that deficiency will be remedied in the early spring.  It is a most satisfactory condition of things and is conclusive proof that Davenport will be a scene of great activity so soon as the weather justifies beginning in earnest outdoor work."

     In February, 1889, circulation was given to a report that the title to the town site of Davenport was defective, and that purchasers of town property were securing nothing more tangible than a straw deed to such property as they acquired.  It was asserted by the Lincoln County Times that this rumor had been given wings by a newspaper published in Sprague.  At that period Mr. Frank M. Dallam was editor and publisher of the Times and he proceeded to investigate the conditions of real estate affairs.  February 8th he wrote as follows concerning the matter, showing conclusively that the title to the town site of Davenport was perfect:

     The southeast quarter of section No. 21, township No. 25, north of range No. 37, E. W. M., was bought by John C. Davenport and associates about the year 1882, from the Northern Pacific Railway Company, on the contract plan, and a few blocks were platted and recorded as the town of Davenport.  The deferred payments due the railroad company were not made, hence the railroad company only could perfect title.  However, this does not concern those interested in the present town of Davenport, built on Margan's, Columbia, Timmons', Essig's, Dillon's, and Hogan's additions, the title to all of which property being legally and technically perfect.  There was never but one house built on the quarter section of land bought by John C. Davenport, and it was destroyed by fire in 1882, and no opportunity is offered for sale on that quarter section by any person or corporation, hence any interest that John C. Davenport and associates owned, then or now, does not interest us in the least.  The title to all lots on the market in Davenport is absolutely perfect, and every purchaser receives a warranty deed signed by individuals or a corporation of known responsibility and great wealth.

     Saturday, May 8, 1889, the Big Bend National Bank, of Davenport, opened its doors for business.  This was the first banking institution in the place and it enjoyed a large and

________________________

131

meritoriously confiding patronage. Tuesday evening, May 28th, of the same year, there was organized in Davenport a board of trade.  This result was brought about largely by the patriotic efforts of Mr. David Wilson.  Following the decision to organize such an institution these officers were elected:  Dr. F. H. Luce, president; J. H. Nicholls, vice-president; Frank M. Dallam, secretary; J. Hoople, treasurer.  An executive committee consisting of the four officers named and C. W. Christie, David Wilson, H. H. McMillan, C. C. May and Willard Herron was selected. The charter members of the Davenport board of trade were:  F. H. Luce, J. H. Nicholls, J. H. Hoople, Frank M. Dallam, C. W. Christie, David Wilson, H. H. McMillan, C. C. May, Willard Herron, William Finney, T. L. Edwards, W. E. Ratcliff, Dr. J. H. Whitney. J. L. West, George Oswalt, Mr. Rowe, Thomas O'Connor, Mr. Olson, C. L. Simmons, L. C. Keedy, Mr. Madden, J. C.
Small, Mr. German, Mr. Fischner, George Weaver, T. J. Robinson, Mr. Hader, H. Born, D. H. Mathorn.

     One of the most important enterprises established in Davenport during the summer of 1889 was the brick yard, by James E. Roe, of Spokane Falls.  Previously, owing to the scarcity of material, building operations had been seriously handicapped, and the advent of this enterprise was hailed with enthusiasm by the residents of the town.

     Wednesday evening, August 14th, the first united efforts were made in the way of affording adequate protection from fire.  At Keedy's hall a meeting was held the ostensible purpose of which was to organize a fire company.  But at first there was considerable apathy, lack of enthusiasm being plainly noticeable. In its report of this meeting the Times said:

     "For a time it was so extremely chilly, owing to the conspicuous absence of several prominent citizens, who, it was supposed ought to take some interest in such a laudable object, that the chances were a hundred to one that nothing would be accomplished.  But the arrival of Mr. A. W. Turner, who called the meeting to order and stated the object for which they were met, caused a visible melting of the icicles."

     Speeches were made by Mr. Turner, Judge J. T. Robinson, Major Hoople, A. P. Oliver, H. C. Keedy, E. E. Plough, Prosecuting Attorney Christie and Thomas McGowan.  A committee on organization consisting of Frank M. Dallam, David Glasgow, E. E. Plough, H. C. Keedy and Martin McGowan was named.  Yet this was all that was at that time accomplished in the way of organizing a fire company.  A second meeting was called for the purpose of perfecting the inchoate organization, but only one or two were present and the enterprise was, for the time, abandoned.  The people were lukewarm — or cold — in regard to fire protection and thus no company was formed until several years later.

     Work was steadily progressing on the Central Washington railroad during the summer of 1889, and lively times were experienced.  One thousand men were employed on the new line by the company, and numerous buildings were erected in town.  Visiting strangers — and possible investors — were driven about the country by industrious real estate men and shown the various natural facilities for money making offered by a most fertile and productive soil.  It was the claim advanced at this time that, during the summer of 1889 the city had made a larger growth than any other place in eastern Washington, aside from Spokane, and this growth, it was urged, was of a permanent character.  In the fall of this year considerable work was accomplished in the way of street grading.

     The story of the incorporation of Davenport is one replete with incident.  The first attempt to incorporate the town was made in April, 1S89, although the subject had been widely discussed during the previous winter.  A petition was circulated and signed by almost every resident taxpayer. Saturday, April 6th,

________________________

132

this document was placed in the hands of Judge Nash who was vested with the power to grant or refuse the prayer of the petitioners.  This permission, or judicial order, was issued in May following.  The first regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the town of Davenport was held in the office of C. C. May on Monday morning, May 15, 1889.  Those present were J. H. Nicholls, H. C. Keedy and Thomas O'Connor.  The absent members were A. W. Turner and H. H. McMillan.  The board was organized by the election of J. H. Nicholls, president, and Willard Herron, town clerk.  The following officers were appointed: J. M. Boyes marshal; C. W. Christie, town attorney; A. P. Oliver, street commissioner; W. M. Finney, treasurer; F. C. Lee, assessor.

     The new town board did not attempt to create a revolution in municipal affairs by the enactment of drastic or oppressive ordinances.  They moved slowly and without immoderate exhibition of authority and it is, perhaps, as well that they did so as subsequent events proved that the entire process of incorporation so far had been illegal.  However, the effects of their work were realized by the citizens and Davenport was greatly benefited by the (supposed) incorporation.

     The year 1889 was the most prosperous in Davenport's history, before that period, and the improvements completed in those twelve months footed up over a quarter of a million dollars.  Let us review with Frank M. Dallam, at that time editor of the Lincoln County Times, the progress of Davenport during this year.  December 27th, he said:

     "Prior to 1889 Davenport was little more than a cross-roads post office.  *  *  *  The promised advent of railroads and the construction of the same was a material factor in pushing ahead the place, although before that event a few houses had sprung up around the original structures that had constituted the 'town.'  No one who has been absent a year would recognize the Davenport of today, as the Davenport of a year ago.  It is vastly improved in every respect, and the people who have since the first of last January located in our midst are congratulating themselves that their lines have been dropped in such a pleasant place.  One year ago today the only means of reaching Davenport was by stage, a private conveyance or on foot.  The distance to any point on the railroad was long and the trip tedious.  The town was isolated.  There were only a few houses and a small population. People already here were confident and cheerful, however, for the location was such  that it was only a question of time until railroad communication would be established, and then a bright future was assured.  A year ago last summer the construction of the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern road was commenced by a company of capitalists.  It was headed westward through a rich farming country.  The jealous eyes of the Northern Pacific officials saw that the trade of a vast inland empire was about to be wrested from them by a competitor.  A branch of the great transcontinental line must be thrown out to counteract the effect of the building of the other road.  To think was to act.  Ground was at once broken on the Central Washington, and rapidly two ribbons of steel stretched off into a section that had never echoed to the shriek of the iron monster.  The people of Davenport watched anxiously the movements of the rival companies.  A year ago this month the sound of the approaching locomotive could be distinctly heard far off to the southeast.  In February the Central Washington crew spiked the iron into the corporate limits and connection with the outside world was complete.  The advent of this railroad was the cause of much rejoicing and a new impetus was given to the place. By a great mistake the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern was built to within four miles of town, and there the terminus remained for some months.  At last the enterprising citizens raised the necessary amount to grade the roadway into town and then Davenport had the

________________________

133

advantage of a competing line with all points east and west, at the same time insuring for its being a railroad center, as no road will be constructed across the state in future years without being compelled to pass through this place.
     "With the first sign of spring, and before the snow had disappeared from view building operations commenced.  Not only did the railroads make valuable improvements, but individuals vied with each other in erecting substantial business houses and attractive homes.  The straggling business center assumed a more compact appearance; the residence quarter spread out; new firms became established, and clear up to the time cold weather set in, only a few weeks ago, the trowel and hammer and saw kept up a steady refrain, an accompaniment to the march of improvement, and the sweetest music that ever tickled the tympanum of an enterprising people.  We are not prepared to give a detailed list of the improvements that have been made.  We have not the names of the builders nor the cost figures. Everybody who possessed the requisite capital did not hesitate to invest in permanent structures.  Handsome brick and frame buildings, the product of a single year, attest the public spirit and confidence of our people.  Mr. David Wilson has done much toward assisting in the development of the place. Messrs. Luce. Christie, Squier, Small, Nicholls, Germain, Griswold, Keedy, Plough, Turner, Oswalt & Hughes, G. R. Oswalt, McArthur, Snyder & Tischner, Moylan, Edwards, Mothorn, Worts, Zuehlke, and scores of others, whose names would be mentioned if we could call them to mind at this hasty writing, have aided in this building up of a town.  Public and private edifices have sprung up.  The flats about town that did not contain a vestige of a habitation twelve months ago are now thickly dotted with comfortable homes.  Two large brick blocks and a dozen neat two-story frame business houses have been constructed.  A hotel has been added to the place, which, in architectural appearance, furniture and management is second to no hostelry in eastern Washington, and we bar none.  The members of the Presbyterian congregation have contributed their share by the erection of an elegant place of worship.  Altogether the total amount of money expended in Davenport in private, public and corporation work during 1889 will foot up to over $250,000.
     "During the year the town has been incorporated and the advantages of this movement have been apparent.  There is better order kept and the board is composed of progressive citizens possessed of the requisite push to help on a growing place.  Considerable street grading has been let and when completed the improvement will add materially to the appearance of the town, making a better impression on strangers and encourage people to renewed activity."

     By a decision of the state supreme court, handed down early in 1890. it was held that the incorporation of all towns under the Territorial laws was void and possessed no legal standing.  Between the incorporation of Davenport and the rendering of this judicial opinion Washington had been admitted in to the union as a state.  In company with a number of other towns in the state Davenport was thrown out of the incorporated class and at once relegated to primitive villagehood.  Steps were at once taken to secure legal incorporation.  In March Attorney Ayers drafted a petition to the legislature on the part of Davenport in regard to the illegal incoropration.  The petition was favorably acted upon by the legislature and the prayer of the petitioners granted.  Thus the acts of the trustees and officials of Davenport were made secure so far as persecution of their actions done in good faith were concerned.

     At the session of the commissioners of Lincoln county, in May, 1890, the following petition was presented:

To the Honorable Board Of County Commissioners of

Lincoln County, State of Washington:

     The undersigned respectfully represent to your honorable body that they are qualified electors of the County of Lincoln and State of Washington at this date, and

________________________

134

that they are residents within the limits of the corporation hereinafter prayed to be established and incorporated, and within the limits hereinafter mentioned, fixed and described; that within the following described limits are now five hundred people as nearly as your petitioners can state.  The above mentioned limits and proposed boundaries of said corporation are as follows, to-wit: Section 21, in township 25, north of range 37, east of the Willamette Meridian, in Lincoln county, State of Washington, and more particularly described as follows, to-wit: Commencing at a point at the northwest corner of section 21, at the intersection of sections 20, 17 and 16. said township and range, thence running east 320 rods, more or less, along the southern boundary line of section 16, to the intersection of sections 16, 15 and 22, said town and range; thence south 320 rods, more or less along the western boundary of section 22, to the intersection of sections 22, 27 and 28, said town and range; thence running west along the northern boundary of section 28, 320 rods more or less, to the intersection of sections 28, 29 and 20, said town and range; thence running north along the eastern line of section 20, 320 rods, more or less, to the place of beginning, according to the United States government survey thereof.
     Wherefore, the undersigned, your petitioners, pray your honorable body to incorporate the territory lying within said boundaries and the inhabitants thereof as a town under and by the name of  "The Town of Davenport," under and by virtue of, and in accordance with the provisions of an act of the legislature of the State of Washington entitled  "An act providing for the organization, classification, incorporation and government of municipal corporations and declaring an emergency.''
     Dated at Davenport, Washington. April 15, 1890.

     This petition was signed by exactly one hundred citizens.  It was presented to the county commissioners, favorably acted upon, and they named May 20th as the date of a special election for the purpose of voting on the proposition. Upon that date the election was, accordingly, held.  There was no unusual excitement and only a slight vote was polled.  Against the regular ticket a light opposition was manifested in certain quarters.  The following was the vote cast:  For incorporation, 105; against incorporation, 1.  For mayor, A. W. Turner, 102;  for treasurer, William Finney, 105;  for councilmen, R. Tischner. 102;  P. W. Dillon, 99;  H. D. Mothorn, 97;  John Peet, 85;  T. O'Connor, 88;  George Oswalt, 32;  J. A. Hoople, 12.

     Having now passed through the various processes made necessary by the enactment of a law in relation to the organization of towns by the first legislature of the new State of Washington, Davenport at last succeeded in the accomplishment of its wishes on June 9, 1890.  The following dispatch marks the. official beginning of the new municipal government:

     "Olympia, June 9, 1890: Certified copy of order of county commissioners incorporating section 21, township 25, north range 37, E. W. M.. and the inhabitants thereof under and by the name of The Town of Davenport, filed this 9th day of June, 1890.

"ALLEN WEIR,       

"Secretary of State

________________________

ch. 3, pt. 3: pp. 118-126      TABLE OF CONTENTS      DAVENPORT part 2: p. 134

________________________