The Davenport Brothers 1838-1905

The Davenport Brothers: Masters of Spiritualism

Background and Early Career (1838-1845)

The story of the Davenport brothers begins in New York State during the early 19th century, a time when belief in spiritualism was on the rise. James David Davenport (1827-1890) and Charles William Davenport (1823-1879) were born into a family of farmers near Oneida County, New York. Their early lives saw them struggling with poverty, but it was their shared interest in the spiritualist movement that would ultimately bring them fame and controversy.

In 1845, while living in Buffalo, New York, the Davenports first began experimenting with spirit communications. They claimed to be able to manifest visible spirits through table-rapping, a practice where spirits supposedly moved or rang a small bell placed on a table. It was during this period that they met Charles A. Van Alen, an aspiring musician who would later become their manager and collaborator.

The Beginning of Their Notoriety (1849-1850)

The Davenports’ big break came in 1849 when they were invited to give a demonstration at the New York City Museum. Their performance, which included table-rapping and levitation, was reported as successful by many attendees. The brothers quickly gained local attention, but it wasn’t until their tour through various American cities that their reputation began to grow.

In 1850, they performed in Boston, Massachusetts, where the sensation of a spirit moving objects was so intense that one woman fainted and another was reportedly levitated from her seat. The New York Herald described the event as “one of the most remarkable exhibitions ever given in this city.” This coverage brought them to the attention of the press and set the stage for their future performances.

Notable Performances and Their Impact (1850-1869)

#### The Fox Sisters’ Exposure

In 1853, the Davenports were joined by the famous Fox sisters, Margaretta, Kate, and Leah, who claimed to hear rapping noises from spirits. However, their claims were eventually exposed when Maggie Fox admitted to using a simple wooden pebble as a means of producing the raps in secret.

The exposure of the Fox sisters did not tarnish the Davenports’ reputation entirely. They continued to tour and perform, but their methods began to attract suspicion. In 1853, they were invited to give a performance at the Troy Academy of Music in New York. The audience was skeptical, and some even attempted to investigate behind the scenes. The Davenports claimed that their spirits communicated with them telepathically, while others suspected mechanical trickery.

#### The St. James Hall Exhibition

One of the most significant events in the Davenport brothers’ career occurred at St. James Hall in New York City on February 13, 1862. Here, they attempted to demonstrate their abilities in front of a large audience and a group of journalists who were skeptical of their claims. The exhibition included levitation, rapping, and even claimed spirit manifestations.

During the performance, one of the reporters, John Mulholland, became suspicious. He approached the Davenports backstage and requested an explanation for how they produced their effects. Charles Davenport, in a fit of rage, accused Mulholland of being a “bogus” and threatened to have him arrested. This incident led to a public dispute that further fueled speculation about their methods.

The Final Years and Decline (1870-1905)

#### The Investigation by the Society for Psychical Research

In 1876, the Society for Psychical Research in London invited the Davenports to perform at their headquarters. During this performance, the society’s members were able to observe the brothers closely and attempted to uncover their secrets. They discovered that the levitation effects were achieved through a complex system of pulleys and hidden wires. The rapping noises were produced by small objects dropped from above or placed under the table.

While these revelations did not immediately end the Davenports’ careers, they marked a significant decline in their credibility. In 1879, Charles Davenport died at the age of 56 due to kidney failure, leaving his brother James to continue performing on his own.

#### The Final Performance and Legacy

James Davenport continued to perform until his final show in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on October 24, 1899. He died in 1890 at the age of 63, having performed for more than 50 years as a spiritualist medium.

The legacy of the Davenports remains controversial. While their performances entertained and fascinated many during their time, they also sparked debates about the nature of paranormal phenomena. Today, historians continue to study their work, trying to understand the psychological and social factors that allowed such illusions to be so convincing in 19th-century America.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Were the Davenport brothers truly psychic or were they using tricks?

A: The Davenports used a combination of physical trickery and psychological manipulation. Their performances relied on complex mechanical devices, hidden wires, and the use of secret codes to communicate with each other during their acts.

Q: How did the Davenports manage to keep their methods a secret for so long?

A: They were adept at creating elaborate illusions that required close attention from the audience to notice. Additionally, they used misdirection techniques and kept their methods closely guarded, often employing family members or trusted friends as assistants who knew the secrets.

Q: Did the exposure of the Davenports’ tricks significantly impact spiritualism?

A: The exposure did have an impact, particularly on public perception. While many continued to believe in spiritual phenomena, others became more skeptical, leading to a shift in how paranormal claims were perceived and investigated.

Q: Are there any ongoing investigations or research into the Davenport brothers today?

A: Yes, historians and paranormal enthusiasts continue to study their performances and methods. Modern technology has allowed for more detailed analysis of historical accounts and physical evidence from their shows.

Q: How did the Davenports’ work influence later spiritualists and magicians?

A: The Davenports were influential in showing that what appeared to be supernatural phenomena could often have a rational explanation. Their legacy can be seen in the development of stage magic and the continued investigation into the nature of paranormal claims.