We've heard that before, but for Julie Davenport, the director of Sweet Springs' I-70 Medical Center, the old adage definitely rings true.

Davenport, who grew up in Blackburn and now lives near Higginsville, has had a large charcoal drawing of an unknown gentleman in her home for many years. Her mother had originally purchased the portrait 39 years ago at a garage sale.

On the back of the painting, it states "Drawn and presented in Miami, Mo. Sept. 30, 1878." The name on the bottom of the painting clearly identifies the artist as W.B. Cox.

She said they didn't know anything about the artist until she heard about Bartlett C. Jones, a retired professor, who is researching the "lost" Missouri artist. She brought the portrait with her on Monday, Sept. 22, when Jones spoke at the Sweet Springs Historical Society.

Davenport's mother, Sonia Allison, had originally bought the large portrait almost 39 years ago for $3.50 at a garage sale southwest of Marshall. "She bought it with money her uncle had given her," she said.

At the time, Davenport was just seven months old. When moving into her first home Davenport asked for the portrait.

"I took the picture, had the frame refinished because it was black and charred looking and had it matted and framed. I've had it ever since," she said.

See also:

Saline County artist retrieved from obscurity by historian:

www.marshallnews.com/story/1468433.html

Contact Marcia Gorrell at marshallag@socket.net