Solomon Blatt, Sr.
| Solomon Blatt, Sr. | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives | |
|
In office January 9, 1951 – August 1, 1973 |
|
| Preceded by | Thomas H. Pope |
| Succeeded by | Rex L. Carter |
|
In office January 12, 1937 – January 14, 1947 |
|
| Preceded by | Claude A. Taylor |
| Succeeded by | C. Bruce Littlejohn |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 91st district | |
|
In office December 1974 – May 14, 1986 |
|
| Preceded by | None (district created) |
| Succeeded by | Joseph B. Wilder |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from Barnwell County | |
|
In office December 1932 – December 1974 |
|
| Preceded by | Robert C. Holman |
| Succeeded by | None (districts numbered) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
February 27, 1895 Blackville, South Carolina |
| Died | May 14, 1986 (aged 91) Barnwell, South Carolina |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Ethel Green |
| Alma mater | University of South Carolina |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Solomon Blatt (February 27, 1895 – May 14, 1986) was a long time Democratic legislator of South Carolina from Barnwell County during the middle of the 20th century. He was a principal member of the so-called "Barnwell Ring."
Blatt was born in Blackville, South Carolina, to Nathan and Molly Blatt, both Jewish Russian immigrants. Blatt attended the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Euphradian Society, and he received his L.LB degree in 1917. The same year he was admitted to the state bar, but his legal career was put on hold while he served as a supply sergeant in France with the 81st Division during World War I. After the war, he resumed the practice of law with future governor Joseph Emile Harley in the firm Harley & Blatt from 1917 to 1934. From 1934 until his death, he was the senior partner of the firm Blatt & Fales.
In 1932, Blatt was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives from Barnwell County. Blatt's exceptional political skills were proven by his colleagues unanimously choosing him as the speaker pro tempore of the body in 1935. Two years later in 1937, Blatt ran for the speakership against L. Caston Wannamaker of Chesterfield County. Governor Olin D. Johnston opposed Blatt's bid and actively supported Wannamaker, but Blatt received the backing of the powerful men of the so-called "Barnwell Ring." Blatt won a narrow victory and became speaker after just four years of service.
...
Wikipedia