Solon was born on March 11, 1842, in County Mayo, Ireland. As a child, he emigrated to the United States with his parents and, in 1847, settled in the town of Shields, Dodge County, Wisconsin, where he was raised and educated. In 1862, he had been appointed Town Treasurer of Shields to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father.[1] Solon was elected to the position the following year. Other positions he held include town chairman (similar to Mayor) of Shields from 1869 to 1870. Solon died at his home in Juneau, Wisconsin, on June 23, 1921.[2]