Barnhart, John N.

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. Barnhart’s 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.

Sources: Legislative Reference Library of Texas. Members of the 52nd Legislature (1951). http://www.lrl.state.tx.us/legis/members/roster.cfm (accessed August 6, 2010).

Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. Ayres, Clarence Edwin, http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/fay4.html (accessed August 6, 2010).

Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. Democratic Party, http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/DD/wad1.html (accessed August 6, 2010).

From the guide to the Barnhart, John N. Papers 92-339; 92-361; 93-302., 1950-1961, 1992, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)