Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Davenport, Adolphus Hoyt

DAVENPORT, Adolphus Hoyt, actor, b. in Stamford, Conn., 4 Aug., 1828; d. in New Orleans, La., 22 Oct., 1873. An early fondness for the stage influenced him to become an actor, and, transposing his name, which was Adolphus Davenport Hoyt, he became known as “Dolly Davenport.” His first appearance was as Willis, in “Paul Pry,” at the Baltimore athenæum during 1848, and his success was such that he was soon intrusted with the role of Claude Melnotte, which he played to Mrs. W. H. Russell's (now Mrs. John Hoey) Pauline. At the solicitation of his parents, he studied law with Homer H. Stewart, of New York, and, after two years' preparation, was admitted to the bar. But he soon reappeared on the stage, and played in Wallack's old theatre, for the benefit of David S. Palmer, as Box in “Box and Cox.” Early in 1853 he appeared as Montano in “Othello,” and as Capt. Charles in “Who Speaks First?” at the old Broadway theatre. His first appearance in Philadelphia was at the old Chestnut street theatre, and he was a member of the company during 1853-'4. Subsequently he was a member of the Walnut street theatre's company, and played there during the season of 1855-'6. He then drifted southward, and acted principally in southern cities. He was manager of the Mobile theatre during 1872, and was connected with Bidwell's academy of music.