Kirk Gunby Phillips (Term 1882-1883)

Kirk Gunby Phillips (November 25, 1851 – August 7, 1913) was a prominent Deadwood businessman, pharmacist, Mason, civil servant and Deadwood’s first elected mayor.  Born on November 25, 1851 in Maryland, Phillips spent his formative years in Maryland.  After graduating from the public school system, Phillips taught education at Massillon, Ohio before relocating to St. Louis, Missouri and then Benton and Helena, Montana.  After hearing about the Black Hills gold boom, Phillips arrived in Deadwood Gulch on April 20, 1876 and set up a successful pharmaceutical business that he operated for sixty-two years.  In April 1882, Phillips was elected Mayor of Deadwood on the Fire Department ticket.  Six years later in 1888, Phillips was elected Lawrence County Treasurer and held this position for three terms.  In 1894 Phillips was elected South Dakota State Treasurer and held this position for two terms.  In 1900, Phillips ran for South Dakota Governor but was defeated by Andrew E. Lee by only 600 votes.  In fraternal circles, Phillips obtained the 32 Degree in Freemason and was a charter member of the Deadwood’s Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk #508.  He also was a member and served as treasurer and president of the Society of Black Hills Pioneers until his death.  On August 7, 1913 Phillips died and was buried in Mount Moriah’s Masonic Section, Section 10 Lot 4.