Kelly & Davenport
The first partnership that J.W. Kelly began when he arrived in Chattanooga in 1866 was with J.G. Webb. Their partnership dissolved early in 1876. In the fall of that same year, Kelly took on another partner: G.W. Davenport.
The partnership was quite a successful one, and grew to include rental properties, other real estate, cotton, other imports, etc. In May 1890, their partnership grew to include the purchase of the bar and billiards at The Read House. In July 1890, less than two months later . . .
Chattanooga Daily Times July 1, 1890
Chattanooga Daily Times July 1, 1890
Chattanooga Daily Times July 7, 1890
Courtesy of Jimmy Blaylock
Kelly wasted no time bringing in new inventory.
Chattanooga Daily Times July 13, 1890
Davenport retired from Kelly & Davenport, and then opened up a dry-goods concern with his brothers.
Chattanooga Daily Times August 17, 1890
Chattanooga’s Forest Hills Cemetery by Gay Morgan Moore page 34
It’s interesting that nowhere in the bio above, or even in his obituary, does it mention that Davenport was in partnership with J.W. Kelly for nearly 14 years. (Find-a-Grave: George W. Davenport )
Learn more about the history of J.W. Kelly & Co by visiting our History pages!