Solomon Star (Terms 1884 - 1893 & 1896 - 1900)

Solomon Star (December 20, 1840 – October 10, 1917) was a prominent merchant, public servant and Mayor of Deadwood.  Born in Bavaria, Germany on December 20, 1840, Star at age thirteen accompanied his Uncle to the United States and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1853.  Four years later Star relocated to Circleville, Ohio and later Terra Haute, Indiana before heading west in 1865.  He settled in Helena, Montana Territory and found work in the mercantile and banking businesses.   In 1871, Star became involved in governmental politics and was appointed to the Unites States Land Office (1872 – 1874) and the Montana Territorial Auditor of the Commonwealth (1874 – 1875).  It was during this period that Star met and befriended future business partner, Seth Bullock. 

In July 1876, Star and Bullock agreed to open a mercantile business in Deadwood, Dakota Territory.  Upon their arrival on August 3, they purchased a lot on the corner of Wall and Main Streets and opened hardware, auction house, and built a fireproof storage facility.  Star and Bullock ran a hardware business for nineteen years until 1893 when they dissolved their partnership.  Over the next 41 years, Star was elected alderman for the City of Deadwood (1882 – 1884), served as Mayor of Deadwood (1884 – 1893 and 1896 – 1900) and was elected  Lawrence County Clerk of Courts (1899 – 1917).  Upon his death, Star’s remains were shipped to and interred at the New Mount Sinai Cemetery in Affton, Missouri.