Custer Chronicle

Star, Bullock & Co.

Mr. Van Devort, representing Star & Bullock of Deadwood, on last Saturday purchased the Bliss stock of hardware rented the building formerly occupied by J. T. Bliss and on last Monday left for Deadwood to make arrangements for a complete assortment of hardware, tinware, and in fact everything that should be found in a first class hardware store. The firm is agent for the Dupont Powder company and all kinds of agricultural implements which will always be kept in stock. The goods will probably arrive the first of next week when the new house will be ready to receive the public and their orders which will be filled at the same price given by other representative houses of the Hills.

In speaking of the stock of the firm of which this is a branch, the Pioneer says: "It is simply impossible to classify the stock, or make particular mention of any considerable number of articles of utility and ornament to be seen in the monster warerooms of this very successful firm, which deals extensively—much more so than any other house in Dakota in house furnishing goods, hardware agricultural implements, carriages, wagons &c. Among the many specialties may be enumerated, mill and mine supplies, hardware, tinware, iron, nails, steel, ranges, cook stoves, heaters, wall paper, oils, paints, window glass, cutlery, silverware, glassware, queensware, &c."

Mr. Van Devort returned from Deadwood Thursday, having completed all necessary arrangements. The firm will be known as Star, Bullock & Co. Mr. Van Devort being the resident member and manager. He is a gentleman of sterling qualities, possessing a western rush and push that insures the success of the firm, and he has come to stay and proposes to identify himself with the best interests of Custer, and in behalf of our progressive citizens we extend the right hand of fellowship to the firm.

Mr. J. J. Bliss left yesterday morning for his home in San Francisco by way of Point of Rocks and Cascade, spending a day at each place. Since his arrival here Mr. Bliss has made friends with all whom he has come in contact by his gentlemanly bearing and courteous manner, and we would like to have had him remain but his services in the quartermaster's department are such as to command a high salary, hence his desire to return. Arriving here as he did, a perfect stranger to all, he showed the sound sense he possesses by acting upon the theory that he who is first to use the cowardly weapon of base insinuation toward his fellow men, is one whose advice is worthless, and after a couple of weeks study of the people and their sentiments has shown his appreciation of his father's most intimate friend and left him, J. P. Thompson, in charge of the affairs of the estate.