A History of Masonry in Madison County, Kentucky 1812-1913, compiled 
and written by Robert R. Burnam, 1914, p.  62.

RICHARD APPERSON was born in New Kent County, Virginia, May 1799.  There 
he received his education and taught school a short time.   He removed 
to Richmond, Kentucky, in 1815, and after teaching there a term, clerked 
in the store of Moses Q. Ashby, a prominent merchant.  While employed by 
Mr. Ashby he began reading law and prosecuted his studies with diligence.  
He was licensed to practice by the Court of appeals in 1823.  He continued 
to reside in Richmond until 1830 when he removed to Mt. Sterling.  There 
he continued in the practice of his profession until his death, May 25, 
1863.  He represented Montgomery County in the State Legislature and was 
a member of the convention which framed the State Constitution of 1849.  
He was in every way an ornament to his profession and a useful citizen to 
his community.
     His Masonic career was a brilliant one.  He was made a Mason in 1826 
and became Master of his lodge December, 1829.  On his removal to Mt. 
Sterling he demitted and affiliated with Montgomery Lodge No. 23.  He 
served as Master of Montgomery Lodge.  He was elected Grand Master of 
the State in 1834.  He became Grand High Priest August 29, 1844.  Received 
the orders of Knighthood in Webb (Lexington) Encampment.  He became a Past
Commander and was elected Grand Generalissimo and Deputy Grand Commander 
in 1855 and 1856 respectively.  For some reason he failed to attend the 
annual meeting of the Grand Commandery in 1857 and was, according to 
custom, dropped from the line, therby failing to become Grand Commander.  
It was unfortunate that the honor was denied so splendid a man.  His name 
lives and will continue to live in the annals of Kentucky Masonry by 
reason of the fact that Apperson Lodge at Louisa and Apperson Chapter at 
Ashland were both named in his honor and because of the splendid service 
he rendered the various branches of the Order in the State of his 
adoption.

Apperson Ashby 
=
New_Kent-VA Montgomery-KY Boyle-KY Lawrence-KY

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/madison/apperson.r.txt