James Breckenridge Speed

Who was James Breckenridge Speed?

James Breckenridge Speed was a successful businessman in Louisville, Kentucky and an important philanthropist.

Although he was born in Mississippi and only came to Louisville as an 11-year-old, James B. Speed was always considered a Louisvillian. His parents and siblings were all born in Louisville, and his family was the famous and powerful Speed family, which had had a great impact on the city. His uncle, also James Speed, was United States Attorney General under Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.

James B. Speed was a financial leader who strongly influenced Louisville's development. He helped to establish Louisville's street railway system, and became the president of the Louisville Railway Company. He saw early how significant cement would be in the growth of America, and he became the president of the Louisville Cement Company. He developed and operated large coal interests, and served as president of the Ohio Valley Telephone Company.

As a philanthropist he donated a statue of Abraham Lincoln, which stands in the State Capitol, and he helped to establish and maintain several schools.