Memoirs of deceased members

George W. Davenport was born in Fall River, Mass., in 1858. He prepared for entrance to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which, however, he did not enter until 1883, when he took a special course in mathematics, physics, electricity, and laboratory work. Later, in 1885, he entered the factory of the Thomson-Houston Electric Company of Lynn, and had a valuable shop and station experience. After several months of this work he took up the organization of the Thomson-Houston International Company, which sold all products of the Thomson-Houston Company in countries other than the United States. In the prosecution of the work of the international company, as its general manager, he made trips to South America and Mexico, as well as to Europe. In Germany he represented the company in the organization of its Berlin company, of which he was a director for some years. He then became associated with the General Electric Company, the successor of the Thomson-Houston Company. From 1893 to 1899, Mr. Davenport acted as assistant to the trustees of the street railway and illuminating properties, who held, in behalf of the General Electric Company, the securities of various electric lighting and railway companies in many parts of the United States. Serving as an officer in a number of these companies, he had charge of the operation of various important plants. In 1899, he became vice-president of the Planters Compress Company of Boston, and in 1901, treasurer of the Fore River Ship and Engine Company of Quincy, Mass.