M. L. Davenport died Tuesday morning at home in Ripley. He was born near Tuscaloosa, Ala., January 26, 1830, and moved with his parents to Lauderdale County when quite young. At age 13 he began working on a steamboat plying between Memphis and New Orleans. In the 50's he worked as an engineer on the Big Hatchie Riber between Bryant's Ferry and Memphis on the steamers Amanda, Luva, and Joan of Arc. He married Mary Martin of this county in 1850* and had 3 children. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, a brother in Texas, and a sister in Arkansas. His was a family of 5 brothers and 5 sisters. The funeral, conducted by Rev. F. L. Ewing, was at home with burial in the old cemetery.

Additional note by submitter: M. L. Davenport got his marriage license on December 23, 1857.

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