From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Doneghy, Edward "Ed"
(born: 1871 - died: 1930)In November of 1930, Ed Doneghy was shot and killed at the Turkey Pen Precinct by Joe Hayden, a Democratic election challenger. The disagreement between Doneghy and Hayden was reported in the newspapers to have been a "trivial" matter about Negroes voting at the booth. Hayden claimed he shot Doneghy in self-defense. Hayden was arrested, he posted bond, and return to work at the election booth. Ed Doneghy was a carpenter, according to the 1920 U.S. Federal Census. He was the husband of Mollie Caldwell Doneghy (1871-1931) and the couple had several children.
For more see "Kentucky Negro shot during quarrel at election booth-voting is spotty," Sheboygan Press, 11/04/1930, p.1; "50 years ago today '30," The Lewiston Journal, 11/04/1980, p.5; and The Hayden Family by C. Hayden, v.1-2, p.190. See also Shelby Davidson, "The Murder of Ed Doneghy: An Exploration of Black Legal Activism in Rural Kentucky by Shelby Davidson." SANKOFA: The Danville Boyle County African American Historical Society Newsletter, v.6, no.10, April 2026 / v.6. no.11, May 2026.