I don't have the starter back yet but apparently there's nothing wrong with the starter. Since I replaced the solenoid I'll throw the starter back on and try again. If that doesn't work, I'll have to add a ground somewhere and try again.
Side note - I found a 47 cj2a about 45 minutes away from me for sale. Definitely a project, nothing complete. Fresh motor (a bunch of new parts and motor needs put back together), rebuilt starter, new body panels, etc for $1200. It was a project that just got started and the guy lost interest. Do you think it's worth it to have a parts Jeep at the ready? It has all parts to completely rebuild minus the glass in the windshield and wiring.