The Davenport/Campbell Connection

MEET THOMAS DAVENPORT


Thomas was born 1 April, 1815 to Robert Davenport and Ann Jarvis. He was born in the little Parish of Brampton, Derbyshire, England. He was Robert and Ann's 5th child.

Though nothing is written on the subject,I picture Thomas growing up in a humble home with many children and a love of music. I have traveled the countryside of England with its rolling hills and quaint villages and churches. Every village has a church. Although I never found the "Brampton Parish" where Thomas was born and Christened, I imagine not much has changed, except perhaps the name, because in every village, there are 200 year old homes and ancient churches.

Thomas grew to a man and at the age of 21, he married his sweetheart, Sarah Burrows, daughter of John Burrows and Charlotte Barber. She was born on 24 July 1811 in the Parish of Eckington, Derbyshire, England. They were married on 28 August 1836 at Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.

Ah, York! In my travels through England in 2003, I was surprised at how much I loved York! The city is a walled city which protected its inhabitants for centuries from outside dangers. A walk down the narrow, cobblestone streets takes one back to earlier times ~ not much has changed.

Thomas and Sarah lived in the same little Brampton Parish he was born in and began their family there. Their firstborn was a son, William, who was born 28 May 1837 in the Parish of Brampton, in the County of Derby, England. Two years later, another son, Thomas, was born. His birthday was 7 April 1839, also in the Parish of Brampton. Poor little Thomas must have been a frail little one, or suffered some devastating illness, because he was taken from them on 16 February 1840, barely 10 months old. He is buried at St. Thomas Church in Brampton, Derbyshire.

Four years later, John Davenport (my Great Grandfather) was born. His birth date was 17 December 1844, also in the Parish of Brampton. Their next child, and the last to be born in England, was a daughter, Sarah Ann. She was born on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1847, also in the Parish of Brampton.

It was about this time that there was a great Missionary movement in England. Thomas must have come upon a Missionary street meeting or perhaps found his way to a church service or fireside chat. At any rate, he found great interest in the message, accepted the truths of the Gospel with his whole heart and was baptised 21 April 1847. Sarah took a few weeks longer to enter the waters of baptism, but she did consent and was baptised 8 June 1847. Thomas was ordained a Teacher initially, and in a few months time he was ordained a Priest. On the 7th of April, 1848, he was ordained an Elder and was appointed to preside over the little branch where they lived.

Oh what a burning testimony he must have had! In a short one year he went from baptism to Branch President! He must have surely been a chosen vessel through whom a special posterity has come. One morning on his way to Priesthood meeting, the inspiration came into his heart and mind to write the words of "Come, All Ye Sons Of God" (Hymn #322 in our Hymn Book). I have read these words many times and gained insight into the powerful testimony that this man had, of not only missionary work, but the Gospel, as well. Though Thomas didn't write the music, the arrangement is his.

Being a writer of prose and poetry, and having dabbled in writing music myself, I can appreciate his appeal to the sons (and I would add daughters today) of God to spread the Gospel; his appeal to the "scattered sheep" to listen to the voice of the shepherd; and the promise that "all who are faithful" shall enjoy heavenly bliss.

On 16 November 1848, Thomas was set apart as a traveling Elder to preach the Gospel. He continued in this calling until November of 1859 -- 11 years! That's a very long time to be a Missionary. But, Thomas was a man of "fervor and zeal" and took his calling seriously.

Thomas was a potter by trade, and worked 6 days a week. On Sunday, he did his Missionary work, traveling on foot throughout many counties in England. He was instrumental in bringing about the conversion of more than 50 persons into the Gospel and traveled some 1,849 miles, proselyting for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This has been just a brief history of the man and his faith and conversion. In my next entry, I will talk about the little family's travels that brought them to America.

How very grateful I am for the man who listened to the Missionary preaching in England. Because of him, the Davenport line has gained strength and numbers and have grown so much in the Gospel. I am so grateful for my Great Great Grandfather and his zeal and love of the Gospel. I am grateful for his poetic voice that speaks to me in my heart today. He is my example.

'Tis The Week After Christmas...

'Tis the week after Christmas, and all through the house are the memories of friends and family through cards, letters and gifts. We had a wonderful Christmas ~ and we spent it with all of our loved ones. Oh, not that they were physically here, but their spirits and love and good wishes were in abundance.

It was a beautiful day in Lincoln City. The sun was shining and we were able to walk just the 3 blocks to the "Myst" Restaurant for a delicious brunch while seated at our favorite table looking out over the beautiful, blue Pacific. The waves are high this time of the year. They tell me that it is "Surfing Season" on the Oregon Coast, because in December and January we get the best surf. I can believe it! But, I don't think you are going to catch me out in that c-o-l-d water! It must be freezing! On January 1st, there is a tradition up here that those who are brave run and jump in the freezing cold water of the Pacific and come out with arms raised high, shouting "Happy New Year!" Nope! Another "not me!"

The year is winding down now with only these two more days left and I am beginning to think about the blessings of the past year and my goals for the upcoming one. This is the time of the year when I reflect on these things and plan for the year to come with hopes and dreams and wonder.

Christmas week brought 2 deaths to my family, and that made me stop and reflect on memories with those two wonderful individuals. Gerry's sister Ruth's husband, Loyd passed away on December 22, leaving a huge hole in their 65 year marriage. He will we missed. On December 27th, my sweet cousin, Shannon Davenport passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimers and Pneumonia. I have so many wonderful memories of that little guy and am consoled to know that he is with his family on the other side and the best part is that he is "whole!" He no longer has to deal with an imperfect body and mind. He fulfilled his mission here on earth and will go to his glory as a perfect soul. I will miss visiting with him and getting him to talk about his little family.

God bless you all as we wind down 2009 and look toward (hopefully) to a better New Year.

Christmas! The Most Wonderful Day of the Year!

Yes, it's Christmas! The day we longed for for weeks and planned for for months! We've decorated the house; we've sent out all our cards; we've sent our packages; and we've decorated the tree. We've been to a miriad of parties and concerts and thoroughly enjoyed the season. But, now it is time to spend a few quiet moments of reflection as we read the Christmas story from Luke and marvel at the thing that happened there that changed the world forever.

One small infant would make more of an impact on the entire world than all of the world leaders or celebrities or explorers or pioneers or any number of things that make the headlines on a daily basis combined. I love that little infant, lying in a manger. I love that Heavenly Father had a plan for us and that His Son willingly took upon Himself that mission, knowing what He would have to go through. I wonder, could I do such a selfless act? Could you?




I am so thankful this day for my Savior. I am thankful for Christmas and will forever say to the world "MERRY CHRISTMAS," whether they want to hear it or not. And so, I say to you and yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS! And in a few short days, as we bid farewell to the year 2009 and usher in the New Year, 2010 (boy that just doesn't feel right), I will wish for you and yours a blessed New Year.

God bless!

Oh, P.S. I did get the ornaments on the tree on Christmas Eve, just like I was sure I would. Crazy, huh! More like my mother every day!

The Third and Last Week of Christmas...

With the cards mailed and the packages on their way to loved ones far and near; the musical performances only a golden memory and the temperatures outside dipping way, way down; it is time to focus on beautifying the lonely tree that stands in the front window waiting to be adorned. Most years, I would have gotten that job done the day after Thanksgiving, but this year, for some strange reason, it just got ignored. Now, that tree is calling me and telling me to get out the ornaments that are so cherished. In years past, I have had a white tree adorned with garlands of red ribbons and nothing but red balls; or a whimisical "Teddy Bear" tree crammed full of teddy bears with bigger bears resting beneath its branches; or a magical angel tree with nothing but angel ornaments and a white and gold angel atop the tree; or a traditional tree with all the ornaments from every year past, including some of the above mentioned ornaments. This year, I have just not been inspired as to what to do with the tree, so there it sits waiting for my decision.


I have a cousin in Bend, Oregon, who (for want of space in their living room) always hangs their Christmas tree upside down from the ceiling! And I actually found a picture of such a tree -- not theirs, mind you, but an upside down tree, none the less! It was always the center of attention whenever we went to visit them. I loved that tree! Perhaps I should do a tree such as this!



A few years back, we were in Williamsburg, Virginia for Thanksgiving, and Washington, D.C. on the day they were decorating the huge Christmas Tree in front of the White House. I mean to tell you, that tree is huge! A bit much for my living room, so I've opted not to copy that one.

Perhaps I will do as my mother did many years ago, and on Christmas Eve, when everyone is sound asleep, I will sneak into the Family Room and decorate the tree and it will be a surprise for Dean and Billy on Christmas morning. We shall see!

At any rate, there will be a decorated tree, and there will be gifts from near and far because the people in this house are loved. And beneath the tree will be our traditional Creche, with the Nativity figures representing the first Christmas. There was no tree then. There were only lowly creatures in the beginning to stand in awe at the birth of their creator. There was a humble father and a blessed mother and a babe that was "wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." It was a quiet night. It was a Holy Night. And for a short time Mary and Joseph were allowed solitude to wrap their hearts around the miracle of this birth and the mission that their son was created for. I would have loved to have been there in those quiet moments.

Perhaps that is why my mother waited until Christmas Eve to decorate the tree. She waited for quiet moments to reflect on the real reason for the Christmas Holy-Day. I can picture her thinking about the birth of our Savior with each and every carefully straightened strand of tinsel that she hung so lovingly on every branch of the tree -- one at a time! I can imagine that her heart was full of gratitude for our Savior and for her family and the home that she so lovingly cared for.



Merry Christmas everyone! May your Christmas be everything that you hoped it would be and more. As you open each gift, pause and remember the greatest gift of all -- the gift of love and eternal life brought to each of us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Second Week of Christmas...Cards

"These are a few of my favorite things..." I love sending and receiving cards for Christmas! There is something about connecting with friends and family during the Christmas season that just doesn't happen the rest of the year. I look forward every year to receiving these little reminders of love and best wishes. Every one is unique and every one is filled with deep, heartfelt sentiments that linger throughout the New Year.

I love writing my annual Christmas letter and I love receiving those letters from my friends and family. Somehow it helps to keep us closer than the hundreds of miles that separate us and I can "catch up" with events in their lives.

I love sending and receiving Christmas pictures. Oh, the beautiful smiles of loved ones help to keep them close and bring back memories. And it is wonderful to see how the little ones have grown! My, my, how they grow!

I love remembering that it was the Christ child's birth that we celebrate and the beautiful cards that I receive remind me of that. I love to read the Christmas story again and again in beautifully prepared cards.

May we forever keep that tradition alive. May we never forget the gift of the Christ child whose birth we celebrate and His gift of eternal life for all of mankind. Oh, how I love Christmas cards!

The First Week of Christmas ~ Lights

Ah! The beauty that is Christmas! Dean and I love to drive around and look at all of the beautiful lights as people begin to brighten up their neighborhoods with bright red, green, white and gold glittering lights. I like to think of it as bringing back the "wonder" of Christmas. All things are in anticipation of a wonderful event that soon will make each and every one of us pause and wonder at the miracle of the birth that took place over 2,000 years ago in an obscure little stable in the Holy City of David, which was Bethlehem.


As we look upon the lights that brighten the night, we are reminded of the star that shown a billion times more bright than any other star before it or any star since and pointed the way to the place where He lay, "wrapped in swaddliing clothes and lying in a manger." Oh, how I love the lights of Christmas!

Our own lights are beautiful, but simple and I love the greeting we get when we turn the corner to our street and then in the driveway. To me, they are beautiful. I haven't snapped a picture of them yet, but perhaps I will include them in another writing as we get closer to Christmas. May we all keep the lights of Christmas in our hearts and may they remind us of the event that is soon arriving.

Aloha...Hawaii Day 8...

I did not look forward to this day! I did not want to leave this paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! I don't know why vacations and visits with family always have to have a "last day!" But, alas, our last day has come and we must say good-bye to this beautiful place that has blessed us with so many wonderful adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.

For some reason, our flight did not correspond with Billy and Anna's flight, but we all had to go to the airport at the same time. We got up early, ate a minimal breakfast consisting of whatever was left over in the fridge or the cupboards, got ourselves packed and ready to make the trek to the airport. The traffic in Kailua was horrible! More and more folks were arriving daily in preparation for the upcoming Iron Man Triathalon. More and more skinny people on bicycles and in swim suits and jogging attire. All the way to the airport, we saw them bicycling along the side of the road or running somewhere.

The first thing we needed to do when we arrived at the airport was to check in our wonderful rental car. It had served us well and given us a good ride. It was interesting to note that when we picked up the car, the lot was full of cars ready to be rented. But today, the lot was practically empty! All those athletes, I suppose!

The shuttle dropped us off at the airport and we waited around for a half hour or more, waiting for our plane to come so we could board it. Billy and Anna's flight wasn't for another hour and a half. Poor guys! They had to wait in all that heat.





With a reluctant step, I made my way to our waiting area when our flight was called. We said our good-byes with hugs and kisses and tears, and left Billy and Anna sitting in the main part of the airport while we went to our gate. Saying good-bye always brings tears. I really, really don't like them!


Once aboard the plane, we could concentrate on a very long flight home. I got to have the window seat, so Dean handed me the camera and I took some pictures of the airport, our lift off, and the islands that we passed on our way to Honolulu. We tried to guess which island was which, but it's so hard to tell when you are up above them looking down! They were a pretty sight, however.





When Honolulu and the island of Oahu was in sight, I felt a thrill, as I recognized many of the landmarks that I was seeing. There was Diamond Head and the huge Veterans Cemetery within the crater; there was the beautiful white-sand beaches with the tall hotels lining the edges of them; there was the crystal blue Pacific Ocean licking the shores of those same beaches. I craned to see if I could see the USS Arizona and Pearl Harbor, but it must have been on the other side of the plane.


We only had a short lay-over in Honolulu, but we couldn't really go anywhere, so we just made ourselves comfortable and waited for our flight home. I kept myself busy texting my kids, saying "Aloha" and that we were on our way home -- reluctantly!

Our flight home was uneventful, but very long. We ate a pretty good dinner and watched a movie, "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock. I really liked that movie. I always seem to like the movies that Sandra Bullock is in. She can be so funny.

We arrived safely in Portland about 9 p.m. and then had to collect our luggage and ride the Max Train to Dean's cousin's house in Gresham. By the time we got to the station near her house, it was quite late and she was very tired! She had been waiting for an hour for us -- our plane was a half hour late!

Ah, but the end of a wonderful journey always makes one very tired! We have so much to reminisce about over the coming weeks and months. In fact, it has taken me a month to write this entire travelogue, so I have been reliving it over and over again as I write. Wish I was still there!