Solomon Star – A Natural Deadwood Leader
Solomon "Sol" Star, a figure etched in the annals of Deadwood, South Dakota, wasn’t born to the rugged frontier life he came to embody. His journey, beginning in Bavaria, Germany, and culminating in a prominent role in the burgeoning Black Hills, is a testament to his adaptability, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to public service. He was more than just a merchant; he was a leader, a politician, and a pillar of the Deadwood community.
Born on December 20, 1840, to Marcus and Minnie Friedlander Star, Solomon’s early life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of ten, he was sent to live with his Uncle Joseph Friedlander in Ohio. Joseph, a garment merchant, provided young Solomon with both an education and practical experience, immersing him in the world of business. He worked diligently in his uncle’s shop and attended school until 1857, laying the foundation for his future success. He then ventured into a new role, working as a clerk in a general store, further honing his skills in retail and customer service.
As the drums of the American Civil War began to beat, Solomon Star found himself drawn to Missouri, where he once again engaged in the retail trade. However, the allure of the West, with its promise of opportunity and adventure, proved too strong to resist.
The next chapter in Solomon Star’s life unfolded in Montana, where he established a store in Virginia City in 1865. For seven years, he cultivated his business acumen, navigating the challenges and rewards of frontier commerce. His capabilities didn’t go unnoticed. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed him as Receiver of the Land Office at Helena, Montana, a position of significant responsibility. This appointment marked a turning point, signaling his entry into public service and solidifying his standing within the community.
Helena also proved to be a place where lasting bonds were forged. It was here that he met Seth Bullock, a meeting that would shape both their personal and professional lives. The two men quickly recognized a shared entrepreneurial vision and a compatible work ethic. Together, they established a hardware store, a venture that would prove to be the cornerstone of their future success. More importantly, their business partnership blossomed into a lifelong friendship, a bond built on mutual respect and unwavering loyalty.
Beyond his business ventures, Solomon Star distinguished himself in Montana through his dedication to public service. He served as a territorial auditor and even held the position of personal secretary to the governor, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of the territory and its citizens. His experience in these roles provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of government and further solidified his reputation as a capable and trustworthy leader.
The whispers of gold discoveries in the Black Hills of Dakota Territory reached Montana, igniting a feverish rush to the area. The burgeoning mining camp of Deadwood, in particular, beckoned with its promise of untold riches and unprecedented opportunity. Solomon Star and Seth Bullock, ever the astute businessmen, recognized the immense potential that Deadwood presented for their hardware business.
With characteristic resolve, they loaded their wagons with a comprehensive inventory of essential goods, including picks, pans, shovels, dynamite, cooking utensils, and a myriad of other necessities. They then embarked on a challenging journey across Sioux territory, braving the dangers of the frontier in pursuit of their dreams. Their destination was Deadwood, a town teeming with prospectors, gamblers, and entrepreneurs, all vying for a piece of the pie.
On August 1, 1876, Solomon Star and Seth Bullock arrived in Deadwood, a bustling hub of activity fueled by the relentless pursuit of gold. Undeterred by the chaotic atmosphere, they immediately set up their hardware store in a tent, eager to capitalize on the insatiable demand for their goods. Their initial success was undeniable, and they quickly realized the need for a more permanent establishment.
The entrepreneurial duo soon acquired a prime lot at the corner of Main and Wall Streets, where they constructed a false-front building to house their growing business. Their hardware store flourished, becoming a vital resource for the miners and residents of Deadwood. Recognizing the evolving needs of the community, they expanded their inventory to include furniture, wallpaper, lamps, and other household items, transforming their store into a comprehensive emporium that catered to a wide range of needs.
Solomon Star and Seth Bullock were not merely merchants; they were active participants in the political life of Deadwood from the moment they arrived. Bullock, with his prior experience in law enforcement in Montana, was appointed as the first Sheriff of Lawrence County and later served as a United States Marshal for the region. Both men served as councilmen for the city, dedicating their time and energy to shaping the future of Deadwood.
In 1878, Solomon Star was appointed as the city’s postmaster, a position he held for three years. However, his tenure was unfortunately marred by a scandal involving the misappropriation of government money. Although he was ultimately acquitted of any wrongdoing, the affair cast a shadow over his reputation and prompted him to redouble his efforts to restore his image as an honest and trustworthy public servant.
The ambitious partners continued to diversify their business interests, venturing into various mining ventures in the surrounding area. In 1879, they acquired several individual homesteads from local farmers and ranchers, consolidating them to create the SB (Star and Bullock) Ranch in nearby Belle Fourche. Primarily managed by Bullock, an avid horseman, the SB Ranch thrived in the livestock business, specializing in horse breeding and pioneering the cultivation of the first crop of alfalfa in the Dakota Territory. In 1880, they joined forces with Harris Franklin to establish the Deadwood Flouring Mill Company, with Solomon Star taking on the role of manager.
Solomon Star was a prominent member of Deadwood’s Jewish community, which, despite lacking an official synagogue or rabbi, maintained its religious traditions. Nathan Colman, a lay leader, conducted Jewish services in various locations throughout the town, and Star was a devoted participant. Interestingly, Jewish merchants owned or occupied approximately one-third of all of Deadwood’s early businesses, highlighting their significant contribution to the town’s economic development.
Driven by his unwavering political ambitions, Solomon Star was elected Mayor of Deadwood in 1884, a position he held until 1893. During his tenure, he oversaw significant improvements to the town’s infrastructure, championed civic engagement, and worked tirelessly to promote Deadwood’s interests.
During the period when the territory was actively pursuing statehood in 1889, he became a member of the State Assembly and was elected president of the first Republican state convention held in South Dakota to nominate its state officers. His leadership and political acumen were instrumental in shaping the early political landscape of the newly formed state. In 1893, he was elected as a state Senator, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in South Dakota politics. After serving his two-year term, he was once again elected as Deadwood’s Mayor in 1896, demonstrating the enduring trust and confidence that the community placed in his leadership.
In 1899, Solomon Star was elected as the Clerk of the Court for Lawrence County, a position he held until his death in 1917. His long and distinguished career in public service stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his community and the principles of good governance.
A 1901 publication, The Great Northwest and its Men of Progress, offered a compelling portrait of Solomon Star:
"Some men have a genius for popularity. With no effort on their part, they become a sort of social or political center from which there seems to radiate an aroma of good fellowship, permeating the entire community. Frank and generous; genial in disposition; every ready with a helping hand for a fellow in distress; jovial and social, yet, in serious matters keen and penetrating; sound in judgment; full of resources in emergency; energy unbounded, and a public spirit ready for war in the interests of his town, country, or state. These are some of the characteristics of a naturally popular man.
The combination is not common, it is true, but it exists now and then, as if to demonstrate the possibilities of human nature. Solomon Star, of Deadwood, S.D., comes very near to this ideal, if his fellow-citizens who know him best are fair in their estimate of him.
From the very outset, with no public desire on his part, he became a leader. No public gathering was complete without his presence; no enterprise began without his active influence; no delegation left the ‘Hills’ to a convention but Solomon Star was the animating spirit and ‘set the pace.’ Without assuming superior wisdom or ability, he was spontaneously accorded a leadership, if not even a guiding hand. He never sought to use his popularity for his personal advantage, but for his friends he was a great power.
His peculiar influence in the Black Hills spread his name throughout the territory of Dakota, from Bismark to Yankton."
Despite his prominence and the many accounts that he searched for a wife, Solomon Star never married and lived alone at his ranch until his death on October 10, 1917.
His funeral was reportedly the largest and most extravagant ever held in Deadwood, befitting a man of his stature and influence. His body was transported to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was laid to rest in New Mount Sinai Cemetery, marking the end of an era for Deadwood and the Black Hills. Solomon Star’s legacy remains alive.