A famed Bloomington resident has another honor, 134 years after his death.
The Lincoln Academy of Illinois has named Judge David Davis to its Hall of Fame along with five other people who have made a significant impact on the history of the state and nation. The others are scientist Enrico Fermi, architect William Le Baron Jenney, labor leader Mary “Mother” Jones, Civil War hero Major General John A. Logan, and civil rights martyr Emmet Till.
“These six people helped to shape the world as we know it today,” said Lincoln Academy Chancellor Frank Clark. “We proudly place their names beside other Illinoisans who have inspired and humbled us with their place in history.”
The Hall of Fame was created in 1992 to recognize early contributions to state heritage prior to the establishment of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois in 1964. The academy also names people from the present day to the Order of Lincoln and annual student laureates.
David Davis was a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, campaign manager and ally of Abraham Lincoln, and later a U.S. senator. Davis was the presiding Eighth Illinois Judicial Circuit judge for 14 years, during which time he became a close personal friend of Lincoln, later serving as administrator of the president’s estate after the assassination.
The Davis mansion in Bloomington remains a tourist attraction and state historic site.
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