Joshua Fry Speed
Joshua Fry Speed | |
|---|---|
Portrait of Speed as a young man | |
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives | |
| In office 1848–1850 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 14, 1814 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | May 29, 1882 (aged 67) Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Resting place | Cave Hill Cemetery Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Spouse |
Fanny Henning (m. 1842) |
| Parent |
|
| Occupation | General store co-owner, real estate investor, plantation owner (through family), Kentucky representative |
| Known for | Abraham Lincoln's best friend and a close confidant |
Joshua Fry Speed (November 14, 1814 – May 29, 1882) was an American planter and businessman. He was a close friend of future President Abraham Lincoln from his days in Springfield, Illinois, where Speed was a partner in a general store. He first met Lincoln in 1837. Later, Speed returned to Kentucky where he farmed and invested in real estate. He also served one term in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1848.