John Speed Smith

Who was John Speed Smith?

John Speed Smith was a U.S. Representative from Kentucky, father of Green Clay Smith.

Born near Nicholasville, Kentucky, Smith attended a private school in Mercer County. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1812 and commenced practice in Richmond, Kentucky. During the War of 1812 enlisted as a private, and subsequently promoted to major. He served as aide-de-camp to General Harrison with the rank of colonel. He served as member of the state house of representatives in 1819.

Smith was elected as a Republican to the Seventeenth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of George Robertson and served from August 6, 1821, to March 3, 1823. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1822. He was again a member of the state house of representatives in 1827, 1830, 1839, 1841, and 1845, and served as speaker in 1827. United States district attorney for Kentucky 1828-1832. He served as member of the state senate 1846-1850. He died in Richmond, Kentucky, June 6, 1854. He was interred in Richmond Cemetery.