Berthold Schwarz Berthold Schwarz Berthold Schwarz (sometimes spelled Schwartz), also known as Berthold the Black and "der Schwartzer", was a legendary German (or in some accounts Danish or Greek) alchemist of the late 14th century, credited with the invention of gunpowder by 15th- through 19th-century European literature. The purported period of Schwarz' activity (late 14th century) thus falls between the first reports of gunpowder in Europe (late 13th century) and the development of effective applications in artillery (mid 15th century). It is unclear whether Schwarz is a historical person. It has been suggested that he was a historical alchemist who had developed
Frederick August Otto Schwarz shop, and in 1870 he moved his business to Manhattan. He married Caroline Clausen (1841–1904). Together they had three sons and three daughters: Anna Schwarz (1863–?), Ida Schwarz (1864-1942), Henry Schwarz, George Frederick Schwarz (1868–1931), Emilie Schwarz (1870–1958) and H. Marshall Schwarz. Frederick August Otto Schwarz died at his home in Manhattan at 20 East 61st Street. Schwarz is buried in Green-Wood Cemetery. Frederick August Otto Schwarz, Jr. is his great grandson. Frederick August Otto Schwarz Frederick August Otto Schwarz (October 18, 1836 – May 17, 1911) was a German-American toy retailer who started FAO Schwarz. Schwarz was born in