Elmer Begley (July 5, 1912 – September 18, 1970)[1] was an American politician and educator who served as Secretary of State of Kentucky from 1968 to his death in 1970.
Begley was born in Leslie County, Kentucky, as the son of Ira and Mary Jane Begley. He attended Eastern Kentucky University and Morehead State University.[1] In 1941, he married Leila Feltner Begley, with whom he had 3 children.[2]
Begley worked as a high school teacher and football coach for two years, and served as a principal in a Leslie County elementary school for nine years. From 1943 to 1944, he served as director of the Federal Farm Security program for Leslie and Perry counties.[3]
Early in life, Begley decided he wanted to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become a County Judge. At age twenty-four he was elected to serve as Leslie County Judge, an office that he would hold for four consecutive terms. In 1967, he was elected to serve as Secretary of State of Kentucky on a ticket headed by governor of Kentucky, Louie Nunn. He appointed his wife, Leila, to serve as Assistant Secretary of State.[1][3]
Begley died of cancer at his apartment in Lexington, Kentucky on September 18, 1970, while still serving as Secretary of State. Governor Louie Nunn appointed his wife, Leila, to fill his position.[3]