Harry Klawan was born 11 Sept. 1893 in Baltimore, Md. He was the oldest of the seven children of Celia and Michael Klawan. Harry's brothers and sisters are, in order of birth: Rebecca, Rose, Julia, Frank, Phillip and Jennie. Harry was an aspiring artist and photographer who in 1923 moved to New York City to join the artist community there. Based on his diaries and correspondence, it seems Harry suffered from frequent illnesses and occasionally depended on his family to help him financially. While in New York City, Harry had a relationship with Irene Rice, who soon after the end of their relationship married Humberto Pereira and went on to become I. Rice Pereira, an influential female mid-century artist. Around 1935, Harry met Claire Silver and they married on 9 May 1936. After an illness, Claire died on 4 July 1937 and was buried at Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, Long Island, N.Y. In 1938 Harry returned to Baltimore. He died in Baltimore in Feb. 1940, just one month after his mother's death, and was interred at Herring Run Cemetery on 21 Feb. He and Claire had no children.
From the description of Harry Klawan papers, 1910-1950 and undated. (Jewish Historical Society of Maryland Library). WorldCat record id: 71058916
