SKETCHES OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 263

A. W. NICODKMUS, Republican.

Mr. Nicodemus, Manager of the Buckeystown Packing Co.,
was born in 1833. He has served two years as County Com-
missioner and iour as Judge of the Orphans' Court. He was
engaged in farming until 1887, when he became interested in
the creamery business.

W. H. HARRY, Republican.

Mr. W. H. Harry was born in Winchester, Va. He com-
pleted the classical course in Winchester Seminary in 1859,
and then took a business c&urse at York, Pa. In 1865 he be-
came principal of the public schools in Frederick, and in 1870
he was elected member of the faculty of Frederick College,
where he remained until 1897. In 1898 he resigned to accept
an appointment as Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court. He is
a Mason and member of the Evangelical Reformed Church.

J. P. T. MATHIAS, Republican.

Mr. Mathias, though an ardent Republican, has never
before held office. In 1899 he was a candidate for the Legis-
lature, but was defeated. Mr. Mathias was born at Creagers-
town fifty-two years ago, and obtained his education in the
public schools. He is engaged in the mercantile business.

GARRETT COUNTY— Two Members.
CHARLES A. ASHBY, Republican.

Mr. Ashby is a member of the oldest family in Garrett
County, his great grandfather having settled in the Glades
prior to 1750. His progenitors were a longlived race and old
line Whigs, and Mr. Ashby has always been active in promot-
ing the interests of the Republican party. He was born near
Oakland in 1867, and obtained his education in the public
schools of the county. After teaching several years he en-
gaged in merchandising, and is still conducting a successful
business. He is highly esteemed by the people of his county,
which appreciation was fully attested by the large majority
accorded him at the November election.

PATRICK E. FINZEL, Republican.

Mr. Finzel resides near Frostburg, and for some years was
a successful teacher. In 1898 he was chief engrossing clerk
. in the Senate, and in igoo a member of the House, to which
he was re-elected by an increased majority. He is thoroughly
conversant with all details of legislative work. Mr. Finzel is
a merchant.