RICHARD B. SPEED

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 690-691:

Richard B. Speed

(Of Speed & Mitchell, Editors and Proprietors of the Southwest Mail, Nevada).

   Richard B. Speed, one of the editors of the Southwest Mail, a journal conceded to be the leading newspaper in point of circulation and influence in Vernon county, is justly entitled to no inconsiderable measure of credit for the enviable position his paper occupies among the best class of country journals throughout the State of Missouri.  He was born in St. Charles county, Mo., December 10, 1849, the youngest of four children in the family of his parents, Joseph R. and Nancy (Pitman) Speed.  The father was a Kentuckian by birth, but the mother was a native of St. Charles county.  He was a tanner and currier by trade and also gave his attention to agricultural pursuits.  He moved to St. Louis while Richard was still an infant, but from there removed to Warrenton, Warren county, where his son subsequently became familiar with the art of printing.  His experience at the case and afterwards an insight into the general conduct of a paper led to his association with Warrenton Banner, in 1868, as one of its editors, and from that time on up to 1882 he wielded an influence as a writer which was felt throughout that portion of Missouri.  In August, of the year mentioned, Mr. Speed came to Vernon county and with Mr. W. J. Knott entered upon the publication of the Southwest Mail, but in June, 1883, he purchased his partner’s interest in the paper and in connection with his weekly edition started a daily, which has since been continued with good success.  Since September, 1883, Mr. R. W. Mitchell has had a half interest in the Mail, and their combined efforts have resulted in securing for their publication a success which is almost unprecedented.  A regular circulation of over 2,600 is an item in itself which should not be lost sight of, especially to advertisers.  In every essential feature the Southwest Mail, is a paper in which Messrs. Speed & Mitchell, as well as the community at large, may justly feel no ordinary degree of pride, and the Democratic cause which it upholds has suffered nothing from any fault of theirs, but on the contrary has been greatly benefited in this community.  All the latest news is given in each issue, yet nothing appears to enter the homes of its many readers that might possibly prove hurtful or offensive to the most refined.  In a word it is a journal of dignity, purity and thorough reliability – qualities which its editors esteem to be of the first importance in a successful, worthy newspaper.  October 17, 1882, Mr. Speed was married to Miss Maggie Carstarphen, who was born and brought up in Louisiana, Pike county, Mo.  Her parents were James and Bellina Carstarphen, the former of whom was cashier of the Louisiana Bank for over 25 years.  Mr. Speed is a member of Argyle Lodge No. 451, A. F. and A. M., and also belongs to Nevada Chapter, R. A. M.  During the years 1883 – 84 he was honored with the position of president of the Missouri Press Association, a testimonial highly complementary to his ability and popularity.

[Transcribed by Julia Brown ]

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