Barnhart, John Newhall

John Newhall Barnhart, from Beeville, Bee County, Texas, represented district 70 in the 52nd session of the Texas House of Representatives from 1951 to 1953.

He entered a solo vote in the 52nd Legislature opposing the Red Scare resolution demanding the firing of Dr. Clarence Ayres at the University of Texas. An economics professor, Ayres held anti-capitalism views that led to conflicts with Texas legislators as well as University of Texas administrators. Barnhart⁰́₉s solo vote went against 130 votes in the Texas House to dismiss Ayres from his position. Barnhart collected material related to a campaign against Bee County Sheriff Vail Ennis, who killed seven people. Additionally, Barnhart played a role in the organization of a committee for the Democratic Party when faced with competition from the Republican Party beginning in 1952.

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