Ebook History and Genealogy of the Davenport Family, in England and America, From A. D. 1086 to 1850

"Not to know what took place before one was born," says Cicero, "is to remain forever a child." History is the herald of the past. To search into that past, to learn the lessons which it teaches, to profit by its experiences, avoiding its errors and cherishing its virtues, is alike the duty of the scholar, the patriot, and the Christian.

The history of nations is chiefly that of individuals. It is the individual character that gives shape and color to any age, that effects great moral and political revolutions, that evolves and illustrates great principles or heroic achievements. Such was that of the Puritan fathers of New England. They were constructors of society. They laid the foundations of that mighty edifice which they were about to build, upon a broad and imperishable basis.