Spring and Edwards Streets – Site of Edwards School and William Donnegan’s Lynching

Marker Text: On August 15, 1908, William Donnegan, a seventy-six-year-old retired black shoemaker, was taken from his nearby home by the mob and across the street to Edwards School. His throat was slashed after which the mob attempted to hang him. Upon the approach of the militia, the mob fled. The militia then rescued Donnegan and rushed him to St. John’s Hospital where he died the next day. Mr. Donnegan was singled out because of his wealth and powerful political connections.