Thomas SPEED, Congress, KY (1768-1842)

SPEED Thomas , a Representative from Kentucky; born in Charlotte County, Va., October 25, 1768; taught by his father; moved with his parents to Kentucky in 1782; employed in the office of the clerk of the general court; engaged in mercantile pursuits at Danville and Bardstown in 1790; also engaged in agricultural pursuits; clerk of the Bullitt and Nelson circuit courts; served as major of Volunteers in the War of 1812; elected as a Republican to the Fifteenth Congress (March 4, 1817-March 3, 1819); unsuccessful candidate for reelection; resumed agricultural pursuits; contributed articles to the National Intelligencer, Washington, D.C.; member of the State house of representatives in 1821, 1822, and again in 1840; was a member of the Whig Party when it was organized; died on his farm, near Bardstown, Nelson County, Ky., February 20, 1842; interment on his farm, ``Cottage Grove,'' near Bardstown, Ky.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present