A History of Masonry in Madison County, Kentucky 1812-1913, compiled and 
written by Robert R. Burnam, 1914, p. 47.

JOHN SPEED SMITH, the third master, was probably the most distinguished 
man who ever presided over Richmond Lodge.  In the short space allotted 
in this volume we can give only the bare outlines of his career, it is a 
part of Kentucky's history.  He was born in Jessamine County July 31, 
1792.  He received his education in the schools of his native County and 
at Transylvania University.  He studied law and removed when a very
young man to Richmond.  The bar, with Martin D. Hardin, afterwards a 
Senator in Congress, at his head, was a very able one.  By his superb 
bearing and great eloquence Colonel Smith at once commanded a prominent 
position.  Doctor Robert L. Breck, a distinguished Presbyterian divine 
and educator, once said: "That Addison never wrote more beautiful 
English than Colonel Smith spoke." Colonel Smith served on the staff of 
General Harrison during the War of 1812 against England and her Indian 
allies.  He represented his County in the State Legislature ten times 
and was Speaker of the Lower House during the Monroe administration.  He 
was appointed secretary of the United States Legation, sent to a South 
American Congress to assemble at Bogota by John Quincy Adams.  He served 
as United States District Attorney of Kentucky during the administration 
of President Jackson.  Later in life he retired to a beautiful country 
home about ten miles east from Richmond which was christened "Castle 
Union."  Here that hospitality for which such Southern homes were noted 
in ante bellum days was dispensed in a beautiful and charming way by him 
and Mrs. Smith, who was a daughter of General Green Clay.  A large 
family of boys and girls was the fruit of this union, all of whom have 
passed away.  Colonel Smith was initiated in Richmond Lodge April 7, 
1813, was both passed and raised June 5, 1813.  The following year he 
was elected Master. This rapid preferment indicates both his personal 
popularity and his enthusiasm for the Order.  He was elected Grand 
Master in 1824.  His portrait adorns not only the walls of the office of 
the Grand Secretary, but also those of the local Lodge room.
     Among the many honors showered deservedly upon him by his fellowmen 
he prized none more highly than that of having been Grand Master.  He 
died June 5, 1854, and his remains are buried in the cemetery at
Richmond where a simple stone marks his final resting place.  The 
interest and enthusiasm of such a man reflects glory and luster alike on 
the Order, which he loved, and on his own memory.

Smith Hardin Breck Harrison Adams Jackson Clay 
=
Jessamine-KY Columbia

http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/madison/smith.js.txt