Davenport was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1759–1766, and the Connecticut Council from 1766–1784.

On New England's Dark Day (19 May 1780), that body was deliberating on an amendment regulating fisheries of Alosinae and alewife when the House adjourned due to darkness.
 Upon the suggestion that the Council should do the same, Davenport is reported to have said, "I am against adjournment.
The day of judgment is either approaching, or it is not.
If it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty.
I wish therefore that candles may be brought."
 Candles were brought, deliberation continued, and the amendment was passed in the Council.

In his 1866 poem "Abraham Davenport" (Tent on the Beach), the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier lauded the legislator: "And there he stands in memory to this day, Erect, self-poised, a rugged face, half seen Against the background of unnatural dark, A witness to the ages as they pass, That simple duty hath no place for fear."
 In November 1934, Delos Palmer—working under a Works Progress Administration commission—painted a Dark-Day mural of Davenport and Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull in the Stamford city courtroom.
 At its dedication, Judge Charles Davenport Lockwood said the art "should be an inspiration and a lesson during these days of hard times [the Great Depression]."
 During his 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy made several references to Davenport and his stance on the Dark Day.
Davenport was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1759–1766, and the Connecticut Council from 1766–1784.
On New England's Dark Day (19 May 1780), that body was deliberating on an amendment regulating fisheries of Alosinae and alewife when the House adjourned due to darkness.  Upon the suggestion that the Council should do the same, Davenport is reported to have said, "I am against adjournment. The day of judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment; if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish therefore that candles may be brought."  Candles were brought, deliberation continued, and the amendment was passed in the Council.
In his 1866 poem "Abraham Davenport" (Tent on the Beach), the Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier lauded the legislator: "And there he stands in memory to this day, Erect, self-poised, a rugged face, half seen Against the background of unnatural dark, A witness to the ages as they pass, That simple duty hath no place for fear."  In November 1934, Delos Palmer—working under a Works Progress Administration commission—painted a Dark-Day mural of Davenport and Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull in the Stamford city courtroom.  At its dedication, Judge Charles Davenport Lockwood said the art "should be an inspiration and a lesson during these days of hard times [the Great Depression]."  During his 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy made several references to Davenport and his stance on the Dark Day.
Abraham Davenport