LADIES' GALLERY

Sophie Harter was born in Wadsworth, Ohio and educated in Akron's public schools and business college. Her involvement in politics stemmed from the political career of her husband, George Harter, who served six terms in the Ohio House. He was also mayor of Akron for two terms. George Harter was an able politician in spite of some difficulties from his blindness, and Sophie Harter was her husband's guide at the Statehouse. After her husband's death, she stepped into her own official role in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Sophie Harter's career in the Ohio General Assembly focused on tax revision, real-estate assessment, congressional district redistricting, public housing, urban development, and unemployment compensation. Harter was one of the first legislators to advocate for a revision of Ohio's tax laws. She considered herself an intellectual and liberal, viewing her job in the legislature as one focused on improving the welfare of the people.

Sophie Harter was also involved in many civic organizations in Summit County: the Democratic Women's Federation, World War II Gold Star Mothers, Women of the Moose, Eagles Auxiliary, and Catholic Daughters.

Biography courtesy of the Ohio Women's Policy and Research Commission