Sophia Harter, 1887 - 1954

Sophia Harter, progressive thinker and liberal, worked diligently to serve the underprivileged and handicapped in Summit County and Ohio.

Harter, who was born in Wadsworth, Ohio, received her early schooling in Akron and later attended business college there. Her husband George Harter had been mayor of Akron from 1942-1943 and later served in the Ohio Legislature. Because of this, Harter developed an interest in politics and would accompany her blind husband, acting as his guide. As a result, she became as well known as he was and it was no surprise that she announced her intent to run for state legislature.

During her one term in office (1948-1949), Harter used her knowledge of Ohio tax structures to propose a revision in Ohio's state laws. She also favored a uniform real estate tax and called for the redistricting of Ohio's congressional districts. Her other interests included low-income public housing, city development and better unemployment compensation.

Harter was a member of the Democratic Women's Federation, the Women of the Moose and the Eagles Auxiliary. She participated in Catholic Daughters and was a member of the Altar Society of St. Vincent Church in Akron. Because she lost a son in World War II, she was also a WWII Gold Star Mother.

Photo courtesy of the Beacon Journal.

--Penny Fox

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