Short, bearded Russian-Jewish actor who appeared in films of the 1910s and 1920s, including several with Harold Lloyd.
His World War I draft registration card (signed 12 Sep 1918) gives his date of birth as "Don't Remember 1877" and his age as 41; it states he is naturalized. He is a "movie actor" for "different companies," and resides at 416 So. Clarence along with his wife Beckie, who is listed as his nearest relative. Abraham's description is given as short and stout, with brown eyes and black hair.
The 1920 U.S. Census (3 Jan) lists him as "Abe Swartz," age 45 of Russia. He and his wife Becca (age 40, also of Russia) reside with others at 231 No. Hope St. Per the 1920 Census sheet, both immigrated to the United States in 1893 and were naturalized in 1904. Abe is a moving picture actor.
The 1930 U.S. Census (4 Apr) has Abraham and Becky "Schawtz" [sic] residing with others at 415 North Fremont Street (J. T. Zaring Apartments). Abraham and Becky give their ages as 56 and 55, respectively, and both of their birthplaces as Poland. The 1930 Census says they immigrated in 1892 and are naturalized. Neither has any occupation listed.
His 1936 death certificate notes he last acted in 1929, having spent 17 years in the "moving picture ind." It states he was born on an unknown date in 1869 and gives his age as 66, and further gives his birthplace as "Litivania," Russia, and his parents' names as Morris Schwartz of "Kovna," Russia [Kaunas (Kovno), Lithuania], and Rose (maiden name unknown) of Russia. Abraham had been in the United States for 50 years, and in California for 30 years, and was still residing at 415 No Fremont at the time of his passing at Los Angeles County General Hospital.
He was married to Rebecca "Becky/Beckie" (Ottanstein) Schwartz (ca. 1874-1938). They are buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Commerce, California.
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