Harry Herman Schwachter was born November 2, 1888 in Hungary.  He entered eternal rest on October 14, 1966, in Williamson, West Virginia. He was 77.

Mr. Harry Herman Schwachter was born in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. He lived on a typical Hungarian farm and attended a one room school up until the 5th grade. He earned a GED later in his life which made him very happy. He did not partake of the farming in his home country, because his Mother believed that he and his Brother should learn a trade. For 3 years he worked as an apprentice, receiving only clothing and shoes that his employer gave him. His Mother had came to America leaving Harry and his Brother Abe in Hungary. She later sent them tickets to come to America also. Harry came to America at age 16, carrying his apprenticeship papers that showed he was entitled to be called a clerk. He had earned them Dec. 3, 1903. He went to work first in Newark, Ohio, where his Mother had a business, rapidly mastering the English language; so well in fact that he took a job as an interpreter in Newark during some labor issues. Later he traveled to Cincinnati Ohio, where he worked in a clothing store making $8.00 a week, which was good money back then. His developing abilities took him to a job as a window trimmer in Hamilton, Ohio, where he would soon read an ad in the Cincinnati Post that would lead him to Williamson WV, and a lifelong career in the clothing business. He came to Williamson in 1909 and became associated with Brown's Department Store and with a business operated by Jack Levine. He became Manager of "The Ladies Shop", established by a New York man, and later operated "The National Department Store", in partnership with Mr. David Brown who would become his Father-in-law when he married Ms. Rose Brown in 1914. In the first year of his partnership with Brown, the department store made $23,000 in business. Later the business sold for $172,000." Schwachter"s Dress Shop" on Logan Street in Williamson was one of the leading stores in the community. He ran the shop until his death. His Son Robert continued running the shop until 1983. Harry was the first president of Temple B'Nai Israel when it was established in Williamson. He was also active in the local B'Nai B'rith Lodge and had once served as it's president. He was a charter member of the Williamson Kiwanis Club and served as lieutenant Governor in the WV District of Kiwanis's International in 1933. Also a Rotarian, a member of the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Tug Valley Country Club, and belonged to the retail merchant's association. A staunch supporter of education, he visited area schools to encourage students in the importance of schooling. He was said to be fond of Greek mythology, poetry and enjoyed dancing, having taught it for 20 years. His Son Robert was engaged in real estate and management in Cleveland Ohio, and had co-founded the "Roberts-Morris" men's shop in Williamson, West Virginia.

A graveside service was held at Walnut Hills Cemetery, 2220 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati 45206 at 12 noon on Monday, October 17, 1966.

Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati is honored to serve the Schwachter family.