Harry Nice

Harry Whinna Nice (December 5, 1877 – February 25, 1941), was an American politician and a member of the Republican Party who served as the 50th Governor of Maryland from 1935 to 1939.^[1][2]

Harry W. Nice
50th Governor of Maryland
In office January 9, 1935 – January 11, 1939
Preceded by	Albert C. Ritchie
Succeeded by	Herbert R. O'Conor
Baltimore City Council
In office 1903–1905
Personal details
Born	(1877-12-05)December 5, 1877 Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died	February 25, 1941(1941-02-25) (aged 63) Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Edna Viola Amos
Children	2
Residence(s)	Baltimore, Maryland

Biography

Harry Nice was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He later attended Baltimore City College, Dickinson College and graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1899. He was married to Edna Viola Amos in 1905, with whom he had two sons, Harry Jr, and William, who died in childhood.

Nice served as assistant to the State's Attorney in Baltimore, but later resigned to run for the Republican nomination for governor of Maryland in 1919. He lost to Democrat Albert C. Ritchie by a narrow margin. Following the defeat, Nice accepted a position in the Appeals Tax Court of Baltimore City as a judge from 1920 until 1924. In 1934, running under the campaign motto of "Right the wrong of 1919", Nice again challenged Ritchie and defeated him by 6,149 votes.

Nice rose to become governor during the national depression, which brought great financial hardships to the state budget. To help find a solution to the situation, Nice assigned a committee to investigate ways of alleviating the debt, but was not pleased with the recommendations of raising taxes. Neither he nor the Maryland General Assembly felt it would be wise to raise taxes at such a rate. Also as governor, Nice redesigned the governors' residence at Government House, changing the architectural style from Victorian to Georgian.

After losing the support of his party, Nice was defeated by Herbert R. O'Conor in 1938. He attempted to run for the U.S. Senate in 1940, but was unsuccessful and resumed his law practice in Baltimore. He died on February 25, 1941, from a heart attack in Richmond, Virginia.^[3] He is buried in Greenmount Cemetery.

Building dedications

• The Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge connects Charles County, Maryland and King George County, Virginia, over the Potomac River on U.S. Route 301.^[4]

References

1. "Harry W. Nice (1877-1941) Biographical Series; Governor of Maryland, 1935-1939 (Republican)". Archives of Maryland, MSA SC 3520-1481. Maryland State Government. March 14, 2001. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
2. White, Jr., Frank F. (1970). The Governors of Maryland 1777-1970. Annapolis: The Hall of Records Commission. pp. 265–268. ISBN 978-0942370010.
3. "Ex-Governor, H. W. Nice of Maryland, 63. One of 3 Republicans Elected to the Office, Served From 1935 Until 1939. Dies in Richmond, Virginia. After Defeating Ritchie Was Mentioned for Presidency Long a Baltimore Official". The New York Times.
4. MdTA toll facilities: southern region: Nice Bridge at www.mdta.state.md.us

• Harry W. Nice biography. December 9, 1998. Maryland State Archives. October 25, 2004. [1]

Political offices
Preceded by Albert Ritchie	Governor of Maryland 1935–1939	Succeeded by Herbert O'Conor
Party political offices
Preceded by Ovington Weller	Republican nominee for Governor of Maryland 1919	Succeeded by Alexander Armstrong
Preceded by William Frederick Broening	Republican nominee for Governor of Maryland 1934, 1938	Succeeded by Theodore McKeldin
Preceded by Joseph I. France	Republican nominee for United States Senator from Maryland (Class 1) 1940	Succeeded by D. John Markey