Watch now: Raymond McKoski discusses his new book "David Davis - Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Judge"

By: Kelsey Johnston

Baltimore, Maryland

Feb. 3 2026

Raymond McKoski is a retired circuit court judge in suburban Chicago who now teaches law at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He recently joined Lincoln Group members to discuss his new book, "David Davis - Abraham Lincoln's Favorite Judge," and how life on the Illinois court circuit shaped the destinies of these two great men.

Judge David Davis was one of Abraham Lincoln’s closest political associates. Lincoln was a circuit court lawyer for about 21 years, from 1839 until he was elected president in 1860. During this time, he traveled the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Illinois twice a year to hold court in various county seats. The presiding judge for most of that time was Davis. They became close friends as they shared meals and accommodations on their circuit travels. It was Davis who masterminded the upstart Illinoisan’s improbable victory at the 1860 Republican presidential nominating convention in Chicago. Lincoln later appointed him to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court justice.

In the book, McKoski concentrates on Davis the judge, more than on Davis the political operative who outmaneuvered the experienced forces of William Seward at the 1860 convention. Davis had also played a key role in Lincoln’s two unsuccessful runs for the U.S. Senate from Illinois. McKoski believes that Davis deserves credit for more than his friendship with Lincoln and the political skills he employed to Lincoln’s advantage. He describes how Davis' judicial independence in 13 years as a Circuit Court judge and in more than a decade on the Supreme Court shows that he could put aside political and personal friendships in his rulings.

During his presentation, McKoski shared his favorite stories of Davis and the impact he had on Lincoln's political career. Watch to hear him answer the many thoughtful questions posed by LGDC members.

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