MARYLAND MANUAL. 71

Giving up this avocation he turned his attention to farming. He
bought a farm near the college of St. James, but sold it and went
to school-teachings again. This is the first time he ever ran for
office.

He is a member of the committee on Federal relations, on
public buildings, on railroads and canals.

Alfred Harnish.

Alfred Harnish, Republican member of the House of Dele-
gates, lives at Cearfoss. He is thirty-six years old. He was twice
married, the first time to Miss France, and the second time to
Miss Cearfoss. He is the son of a farmer, and has been a mer-
chant all his life. His education was received in the public
schools. His early youth was spent as clerk in a country store.
For ten years he has been a member of the firm of Harnish &
Cunningham, keepers of a general store at Cearfoss. He never
before ran for a political office, though he was considered an
active worker in the Republican party. He is a trustee in the
Cearfoss public school.

Mr. Harnish is a member of the committee on elections, on
engrossed bills, and chairman of the committee on the library.

John J. Koontz.

John J. Koontz, Republican; member of the House of Dele-
gates, of Hancock, was born in Washington county. He received
a common school education. Mr. Koontz was a member of the
Legislature of 1888. In early life Mr. Koontz taught school,
and for some time was a clerk in the office of the register of
wills. He then went to Baltimore and took a position as book-
keeper. He returned to Hancock in 1870, and in 1891 retired
from business. Mr. Koontz is a man of easy manners, kindly
disposition and a ready and direct speaker.

He is a member of the committee on expiring laws, chairman
of the committee on roads and highways, on ways and means, on
organization.

Newton S. Cook.

Newton S. Cook, Republican member of the House of Dele-
gates, is the son of the late John H. Cook, of Hagerstown. He
is about forty-three years old and a bachelor. He graduated from
college, and after studying law was admitted to the Washington
county bar. He removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and built
up a practice, but moved back again to Hagerstown. He has
always been interested in politics, and was considered the leader
of the faction which opposed Louis E, McComas. Mr. Cook is
a fluent speaker and ready to defend or attack in debate.