Date Original
undated
Description
This collection contains typed transcripts of two political reminiscences written by George W. Donaghey, "My Entry into Politics" and "My Campaign for a Third Term." Both are undated.
Biographical/Historical Note
George Washington Donaghey was born July 1, 1856, in Oakland, Louisiana, to C.C. Donaghey and Elizabeth Ingram. The family moved to Union County, Arkansas, in 1858. After spending some time in Texas, Donaghey settled in Conway, Faulkner County, in 1880, where he remained for thirty years. On September 20, 1883, he married Louvenia Wallace, a native of Darlington, South Carolina. Donaghey spent one year at the University of Arkansas, before becoming a contractor. He was active in local politics and a strong supporter of higher education, responsible for three such institutions moving to Conway. He supported the banning of saloons, making Conway a dry city. He was elected town marshal in 1884 because of his anti-saloon stand but was defeated when he ran for mayor on the same ticket the next year. From 1899 to 1903, he gained considerable wealth while working as a railroad contractor in Indian Territory. He moved to Little Rock in 1908 and won the Democratic nomination for Governor, defeating Jeff Davis-backed William F. Kirby, and going on to win by a landslide. He was re-elected in 1910. His terms as governor were highlighted by his strong support of higher education, an emphasis on fiscal reform, and the completion of the State Capitol. After leaving the governorship, he transferred ownership of the Donaghey Building and the Federal Bank and Trust Building to Little Rock Junior College, now the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The endowment was estimated at $1.5 to $2 million, making it one of the largest endowments given within the state. He died December 15, 1937, after suffering a massive heart attack two days earlier and never regaining consciousness.
Physical Description
Document, 8.5" x 11"
Geographical Area
Arkansas
Language
English
Identifier
SMC.179.006
Resource Type
Text
Collection
George W. Donaghey political reminiscences, SMC.179.006
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
George W. Donaghey political reminiscences, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rights
Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.
Disciplines
United States History
