Salomon Edvin Petersson was born 23 July 1869 at Boarp Rasmagård, Södra Ljunga Parish, Kronoberg County, Sweden. He was one of eight children born to Peter Olofsson (born 28 August 1829 and died 19 September 1905 in Södra Ljunga) and Lotta Andersdotter (born 7 June 1834 in Pjätteryd Parish and died 4 October 1920 in Södra Ljunga). According to parish records, Salomon and his sister, Emilia Maria, emigrated in May 1887, settling in Minnesota. Their older brother, Carl Johan (Charley), had emigrated in the early 1880s and was living in Duluth.

Salomon, known as Solomon or Sam in America, settled in the village of Oneota, which was later annexed to Duluth. Emilia, also known as Emma, was in Duluth as well. Other siblings were sisters Jenny and Tekla, and brothers Nils Gustaf, Frithiof Emil, and Frans Evald. Both Nils and Frithiof moved to locations in northern Sweden beginning about 1887. Jenny emigrated in 1895.

Solomon returned to Sweden in 1897 to visit family. He eventually moved to St. Thomas, Pembina County, North Dakota, and worked as a bank clerk. He married Mary J. Cowin, a native of Canada, 1 June 1910 in Pembina County. They had three sons. Solomon died 27 July 1954 and is buried in St. Thomas Cemetery in Pembina County.