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F. J. Sydal

                                                 Winfield, Walnut Township.
[Note: In 1881 F. J. Sydal almost went bankrupt. He and his wife were involved in civil suits in district court. It appears that R. E. Sydal came along and got them out of trouble. The business continued. In only one instance did it appear that R. E. Sydal was the head of the saddlery and harness shop. Most confusing! The relationship of R. E. Sydal to F. J. Sydal was never given by newspapers. One can assume that he was either a brother or the father of Frank J. Sydal. Papers constantly had the name spelled as “Sydall” which added to the problem of tracking this family.]
Winfield Directory 1880:
SYDAL, F. J., saddlery and harness, Main, e. s. between 8th and 9th avenues;
r., 9th avenue, s. s. between Manning and Menor.
Busby, Mrs. Imogene, dressmaker, Josephine Mansfield, bds. F. Sydal.
Chambers, J. B., harness-maker, F. J. Sydal, r. Manning, e. s. bet 7th and 8th avs.
Winfield Directory 1885:
Barton F J, harness maker, works Sydal, boards 517 e 6th
Sweeney Chas., harness-maker, works Sydal, boards Lindell
Winfield 1880: Sydal, F. J., 37; spouse, R. E., 36.
Walnut Township 1881: Sydal, F. J., 38; spouse, Rose, 35.
                                               FROM THE NEWSPAPERS.
Winfield Courier, August 15, 1878.
J. C. Franklin has sold his harness and saddlery to F. J. Sydal, late of Cedarvale, and will move to California, where he has friends and property. Mr. Franklin will leave with the best wishes of a large circle of friends who esteem him highly.
Winfield Courier, September 12, 1878.
Saddles from three dollars each up to twenty dollars at F. J. Sydal’s. His harness shop is at Franklin’s old stand.
Winfield Courier, September 26, 1878.
F. S. Sydal. This gentleman occupies the stand lately occupied by J. C. Franklin and has the best stock of harness, saddles, and other goods in his line ever brought to Winfield. He is thoroughly acquainted with his business, knows how and when to buy, is an accomplished workman, keeps only good workmen and good stock and is able to sell at the lowest attainable prices. Such a house is a good thing for Winfield and Cowley County.
AD: HARNESS! HARNESS! HARNESS! or in fact everything in the Harness and Saddle Line. Those wanting to buy goods in the above line call and get prices anywhere you like and buy of F. J. SYDAL FOR THE CASH.
OPPOSITE MANNING’S NEW BUILDING.
[WINFIELD BUSINESS.]
Winfield Courier, March 27, 1879.
The following is a list of the principal business firms of Winfield.
HARNESS SHOPS.
F. J. Sydal.
Wm. Newton.

Winfield Courier, May 8, 1879.
In this paper will be found the “ad” of our reliable harness man, F. J. Sydal. Mr. Sydal has had years of practical experi­ence in the harness business, and knows what he is selling.
AD: The Old Reliable HARNESS & SADDLE SHOP/F. J. SYDAL, Propri­etor. Shop on Main Street, just north of the crossing on Ninth Avenue.
Winfield Courier, February 12, 1880.
Great Disaster! Three hundred persons lost their lives by the fall of the bridge across the Fay in Scotland, and hundreds of others are maimed for life by using old and worthless Harness. To avoid such a calamity, Buy Your Harness of Sydal. Opposite the Opera House.
F. J. SYDAL
Winfield Courier, March 18, 1880.
The members and adherents of the Episcopal Church in Winfield held a meeting yesterday morning to organize a parish. Rev. J. T. Colton, of Wichita, presided, and J. E. Snow was elected Secretary of the meeting. A parish was organized under the name of Grace Church, and the following officers were elect­ed: Senior Warden, G. A. Scoville; Junior Warden, T. C. Woodruff; Vestrymen, R. E. Wallis, T. K. Johnston, W. H. Smith, H. P. Vermilye, F. J. Sydal; Parish Clerk, J. E. Snow. The parish hopes to secure the services of a settled clergyman at an early date. Telegram.
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Mr. J. H. Stauffenberg, merchant tailor, advertises in this paper. His shop is next door to Sydal’s harness shop.
AD.  J. H. STAUFFENBERG, MERCHANT TAILOR, MAIN STREET, WINFIELD, KANSAS. Keeps on hand a first class line of Worsteds, Cassimeres, and Fine Diagonals. Mr. Stauffenberg is an artist in his line, has had years of experience in some of the largest merchant tailor establishments in the country, and guarantees satisfaction. ROOM NEXT TO HARTER BROS. DRUG STORE.
Winfield Courier, May 6, 1880.
Frank Sydal has added a new feature to his harness making establishment. He has received a lot of single and double buggy tops, ready made, which he puts on cheaper than anything of the kind heretofore offered.
Sydal shipped wool???...
Winfield Courier, June 3, 1880.
Frank Sydal shipped 25,000 pounds of wool last week. This is what we call business. Frank Sydal can do such things.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, January 13, 1881.
On New Year’s day F. J. Sydal made an assignment to his creditors. His liabilities are almost two hundred dollars in excess of the invoice value of the stock. As far as we know, there is no local indebtedness of any amount. Mr. Sydal has the sympathy of many friends, and we hope to soon see him on his feet again.
Winfield Courier, January 27, 1881.

Mr. and Mrs. Kretsinger, assisted by Miss Clara Brass, received a number of their friends last Tuesday evening, among whom were Mrs. Frank Williams, Mrs. Tresize, Mr. and Mrs. Horn­ing, Mr. and Mrs. Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Millington, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Sydal, and Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown. The supper was magnificent, and the evening passed in the most jovial and pleasant manner. The host and hostess, by their graceful and unassuming ways, made all feel in the happiest humor.
[THE MONITOR’S LOCALS.]
Winfield Courier, February 3, 1881.
Frank Sydal is again at work in his old stand.
[TRIAL DOCKET DISTRICT COURT MAY TERM, 1881.]
Winfield Courier, April 28, 1881.
CIVIL DOCKET: 120 CASES.
Rosanna E. Sydal vs. James H. Finch.
W. M. Wyeth & Co. vs. F. J. Sydal.
Frank J. Sydal vs. James H. Finch.
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
A sort of a compromise verdict was rendered in the Sydal-Finch case.
R. E. Sydal??? Brother of Frank J. Sydal???...
Cowley County Courant, November 24, 1881.
AD. FARM HARNESS & SADDLE FACTORY...R. E. SYDAL.
Stand opposite the Opera House. Winfield.
[MASQUERADE BALL.]
Cowley County Courant, January 5, 1882.
The general march commenced at 8:30 o’clock with 41 couples on the floor, and formed a brilliant procession striking in its comic effect. Beautiful and rich costumes glittering with gold and silver trimmings, dukes and kings, knights and ladies, Indians, negroes, harlequins, grotesque figures, all commingled in one strange and startling crowd.
At 11 o’clock the command was given to form in procession for a march, a grand circle was formed in the hall, the order to face in was given, followed by the order to unmask, and for the first time the parties knew each other, face to face. The ejaculations of surprise, the mutual exclamations of “Well, I declare! Is that you?” attested the excellent manner in which the disguises were gotten up.
At twelve o’clock the hall was deserted for supper, after which the dancing was resumed until the—well, that is—the wee—or rather—oh, what’s the difference?—”until the wee sma’ hours,” according to Hoyle, when everybody went home, rather broke up for the next day, but having had a glorious, happy time. The names and characters of those participating we give as follows as near as we could find out, with running comments.
Mrs. Frank Sydal, Mary Stuart.
R. E. Sydal...
Winfield Courier, January 12, 1882.
                                                   HARD ON THE D. B.’S.
                  The Businessmen Talk, Eat, and Prepare to Harvest Unpaid Bills.

Last Saturday evening a large number of the businessmen of Winfield met at the Brettun House and organized an association that will be of more practical benefit to businessmen and the trading public generally then anything that has yet been proposed. The matter has been talked of for some time, but recent events brought it to a focus, of which the “Merchants and Business Men’s Protective Association” is the outcome. The following gentlemen were present and assisted in the organization.
A. H. Doane, R. E. Wallis, J. A. McGuire, Will Hudson, A. E. Baird, W. J. Hodges, H. Brotherton, J. M. Dever, J. P. Baden, J. L. Hodges, R. E. Sydal, Lou Harter, Ed. P. Greer, J. B. Lynn, A. B. Steinberger, C. A. Bliss, D. L. Kretsinger, A. T. Spotswood, S. W. Hughes, J. S. Mann, W. B. Pixley, W. R. McDonald, A. D. Hendricks, Col. Wm. Whiting, J. G. Shreves, J. W. Batchelder, J. L. Horning, T. R. Timme, J. L. Rinker, J. P. Short, B. F. Wood, J. A. Cooper.
A committee consisting of the officers and a committee of eight or ten members were appointed to draft constitution and by-laws to be presented at the next meeting to be held at A. H. Doane & Co.’s office Thursday evening. The object of the organization is for mutual protection against the class of men who obtain credit at one place as long as possible, then change to another, and so on around, and for heading off dead-beats of every kind. A list of all those who are in arrears at the different stores will be made out by each merchant and filed with the secretary, who will furnish each member with a complete list of all who obtain credit and the amount. Then, when a person desires to buy goods on time, the merchant can go to his list, find out how many other firms in town he owes, and how long the account has been running. If he finds that the person desiring credit owes every other merchant in town, he can safely make up his mind that he is a D. B. On the other hand, if he finds that the person asking for credit has paid his bill and is reckoned good by the other merchants in establishing his credit, he will find no trouble in getting all the advances he desires. It will weed out the dishonest fellows and protect those who pay their debts and show a disposition to deal honestly.
The above, as near as we can state it, is the object of the association. Here alone, good, honest, straightforward men all over the county have failed to get credit because there was no way to establish their standing while others who were no good have run annual bills all over town and never make an effort to pay. This will stop all that business and place them in a very unenviable light until their bills are paid.
After the adjournment of the meeting all repaired to the dining room of the Brettun and ate oysters and celery, drank coffee and cream, told vigorous stories of dead-beats and bill-jumpers, and treated each other to little bits of business experience that furnished points for future action. The supper was nicely served and thirty-nine sat down to the long table and took two or more dishes of “Oysters-loony style,” with fruit and lighter refreshments thrown in. One of the most unfortunate features of the supper was that there were no toasts. Nothing is so delightful after a nice supper as to sit back in your chair and note the writhings of the poor mortal who has been selected to tell about “The great American eagle, who laves his bill in the Atlantic and dips his tail in the Pacific,” and to see him squirm when he finds that he has forgotten the piece and got the proud bird’s tail in the wrong pond. We were very anxious to see this duty performed and had about concluded to call out J. L. Horning or A. T. Spotswood, with W. J. Hodges and R. E. Wallis as possible substitutes, when the thought struck us that it might prove a boomerang and our desire for toasts immediately expired.

Among the ladies who graced the occasion were Mrs. W. R. McDonald, Mrs. J. L. Rinker, Mrs. J. B. Lynn, Miss Sadie French, Mrs. W. J. Hodges, Mrs. S. W. Hughes, Mrs. J. A. Cooper, and Mrs. W. B. Pixley.
Winfield Courier, April 13, 1882.
One Wilcox who has been building harness for Sydal was taken up in an intoxicated condition by the marshal. In default of cash he was taken to the jug.
Cowley County Courant, June 22, 1882.
Among those who especially exerted themselves in the boats and water for the recovery of the body of the drowned boy, Charlie Austin, we noticed Mr. Colgate, Frank Finch, Tom Myers, Charlie Hodges, Capt. Smith, Dr. Wells, Ben Cox, Sydal, Sid Majors, Hank Paris, Bert Freeland, and a number of others who were strangers to us. Those in the river were ably assisted by those on the banks. Horses and teams were freely tendered for conveying implements to be used in the search for the body, everyone seeming desirous of doing their part.
Note: Scales put in front of Sydal’s in 1874 and not 1872 as the Winfield Courier article indicated...
Winfield Courier, August 17, 1882.
The old scales have been removed from in front of Sydal’s to Burden. They were put down in 1872 [1874].
Winfield Courier, October 5, 1882.
In our hurry last week we overlooked Frank Sydal’s display of harness and saddles at the fair. It was very fine and attracted much attention.
Master Charlie Sydal...
Winfield Courier, November 9, 1882.
Little Folks’ Party. A large number of little folks gathered together at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Pryor Monday afternoon to celebrate with little Mamie her third birthday. The crowd was the jolliest and liveliest we have seen and each of the little folks seemed to take in the full measure of enjoyment. A splendid repast was set for them which they attacked with a relish. Little Mamie received a large number of elegant presents from her young friends. The following is a list of the presents and of those present: 1 silver set knife, fork, and spoon; 2 Majolica plates; 2 gold sash pins; 1 gold ring; 1 child’s decorated china wash stand set; 1 child’s dinner castor; 1 hand painted mug; 1 porte-monnaie; 5 China cups and saucers; 2 China mugs; 1 glass mug; 1 doll’s parlor suite; 1 autograph album; 1 photograph album; 1 wood tea set combination table and cupboard; 1 Brittania tea set; 2 child’s glass sets; sugar bowl; butter dish, etc.; 3 dolls; 2 doll’s canopy top phaetons; 1 doll and carriage; 2 picture books; 1 flat iron and stand; 1 bell cart and span of goats; 1 bouquet; 1 basket of flowers; 1 satin puff box; 1 panorama egg; 6 elegant birthday cards; 1 little brown jug; 1 necklace of pearl beads; 1 shell box; 1 photograph with frame; 2 China match safes; 2 bottles perfumery; 1 card receiver (Kalo Meda); 2 handkerchiefs (embroidered); 1 collar; 1 tooth-pick holder.

Present: Misses Birdie Wright, Edna Glass, Blanche Bliss, Blanche Troup, Stella Buckman, Mamie Black, Frankie Black, Mary Spotswood, Maggie Pryor, Edna Pryor, Muriel Covert, Annie McDonald, Clara Austin, Pearl E. Snyder, Maggie Johnson, Emma Johnson, Bernice Bullen, Beryl Johnston, Nina Nelson, Nona Nelson, Lube Myton, Josie Myton, Ethel Carruthers, Mary Brotherton, Bell Brotherton, Nina Harter, May Harter, Maud Miller, Gertie Lynn, Effie Lynn, Edna Short, Alma Miller, Mollie Trezise, Lillie Trezise, Fannie Bryan, Flossie Bullen, Ollie Newcomb, Edna Fitch, Maud Cooper, Daisy Clark.
Masters Eddie Greer, Eddie Thorp, Ralph Brown, Roy Robinson, Bertie Silliman, Vere Hollenbeck, Charles F. Green, Charlie Sydal, Henrion McDonald, Dolphi Green, Clare Bullen, Bruce Carruthers, Edgar Powers, Charlie Lynn, Paul Bedilion, Codie Waite, Zack Miller, Willie Trezise, Carl Farringer, Walter Baird, and Willis Young.
Winfield Courier, February 1, 1883.
The following petition was circulated last week by Frank Manny, taken to Topeka, and presented by him to Senator Hackney.
WINFIELD, KANSAS, January 23, 1883. HON. W. P. HACKNEY, State Senator, Topeka, Kansas. Inasmuch as the Prohibition Amendment, as enforced, has always resulted in injury to the material development of our town—it having signally failed to accomplish the object sought, the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating drinks—we would respectfully urge upon you the necessity of so providing for the enforcement of the law that its application shall be uniform throughout the State. If this is impossible, don’t sacrifice our town on the altar of inordinate devotion to an impracticable principle.
One of those who signed petition: F. J. Sydal.
[EDITORIAL CONVENTION HELD AT WINFIELD.]
Winfield Courier, May 17, 1883.
Where the Money Came From. The following are the cash contributions to the general editorial entertainment fund. More was raised than was used and those who subscribed first took more than their share, so that others had to be somewhat limited in their contributions to give others a chance.
F. J. Sydal contributed $1.00.
Winfield Courier, September 6, 1883.
BIRTH. Frank Sydal is the happy “dad” of a fine new boy, and presents us with the cigars as a manner of celebrating the event.
Winfield Courier, October 11, 1883.
Lost. In or near this city, a red morocco pocket book containing money and papers only valuable to owner. A finder will be liberally rewarded by returning same to Sydal’s Harness shop. Owner, J. Ed. Allen, with L. Hays, Wichita.
[DISTRICT COURT.]
Winfield Courier, November 22, 1883.
Talisman: F. J. Sydal.
Winfield Courier, December 13, 1883.
Englishmen, Attention! I have been requested to call a meeting of Englishmen at my office opposite the post office in this city on Saturday, December 15th, with a view to seasonable festivities on Christmas. F. J. SYDAL.
R. E. Sydal...
Winfield Courier, February 14, 1884.

More Fires. Again, on Sunday evening, an attempt was made to set fire to property in the city. A lot of hay was stuffed under the rear end of Hendricks & Wilson’s hardware store and ignited. It was done about half past seven o’clock in the evening. Mr. James McLain, who has been acting as night watchman, first discovered and put it out. Shortly before, when walking across Manning Street and Tenth Avenue, he passed a man who was walking hurriedly. As soon as he passed, the man broke into a run, and a moment after McLain discovered the fire. When he turned, the man had disappeared in the darkness. What the object of these incendiaries is cannot be defined. The fire in the Hodges barn could have injured but little business property if successful. The fire started in the Shenneman barn, immediately after, when the hose was handy and hundreds of people standing around to use it, could not have been set with a very villainous intent to destroy, as the destroyer might have known it would be put out in a minute. The setting of the Sunday evening fire early in the evening, when everyone was about, showed a lack of deep intent to do great injury. However, our people have resolved to put a stop to it, and to that end the following paper has been prepared and duly signed, and the total sum of $222.50 goes to the person who runs the fire-bugs in.
We, the undersigned, promise to pay the sum set against our respective names as a reward for the apprehension and conviction of any person or persons engaged in setting any incendiary fire in the city of Winfield, either heretofore or hereafter.
THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $5.00: S. C. Smith, T. K. Johnston, Horning & Whitney, Wm. Newton, Hudson Bros., McGuire Bros., J. B. Lynn, Geo. Emerson, COURIER Co., Ella C. Shenneman, W. S. Mendenhall, Winfield Bank, M. L. Read’s Bank, Rinker & Cochran, Miller & Dawson, H. Beard, Whiting Bros., Hendricks & Wilson, A. E. Bard, Johnston & Hill, J. N. Harter, Farmers Bank, Wallis & Wallis, F. V. Rowland, J. S. Mann, Hughes & Cooper, A. B. Arment, Quincy A. Glass, W. L. Morehouse, McDonald & Miner, Curns & Manser, J. D. Pryor, M. Hahn & Co., O’Meara & Randolph, S. H. Myton, J. P. Baden, Telegram, Scofield & Keck, Henry Goldsmith.
THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED $2.50: R. E. Sydal, S. D. Pryor, E. G. Cole, Kraft & Dix, H. Brown & Son, Brotherton & Silver, F. M. Friend, F. H. Blair, F. H. Bull, T. J. Harris, Albro & Dorley.
TOTAL RAISED: $222.50
Frank J. Sydal...
Winfield Courier, November 6, 1884.
Frank J. Sydal and family returned Monday from a week’s visit at the old home, Chetopa, Kansas.
R. E. Sydal??? Brother of Frank J. Sydal???Father of Frank J. Sydal???...
[COWLEY COUNTY FAIR.]
Winfield Courier, August 7, 1884.
THE COWLEY COUNTY FAIR AND DRIVING PARK ASSOCIATION WILL HOLD ITS SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBITION AT WINFIELD, KANSAS, SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 25, 26, AND 27, 1884.
Stockholder: R. E. Sydal.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, August 13, 1885.

REMOVED. To make room for the new building on Main Street, I have moved my stock of Saddlery and Harness Goods -TO- EAST NINTH AVENUE, Opposite Ferguson’s Livery Stable, where I hope to see all my old customers and as many new ones as need goods in my line. Thanking you for past favors, and hoping for a continuance of the same, I am,
R. E. SYDAL. East Ninth Avenue.
Frank J. Sydal...
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 10, 1885.
Frank Sydal is now the man who don’t know whether he’s afoot or horseback. His employees have feared, all day, the necessity of harnessing him up, haltering him—or anything to keep him down. His phiz is a conglomeration of smiles and blushes, as he receives congratulations on his patriotism—on his activity in the interests of his country. They are twins, a boy and a girl, who made their advent this morning. They are plump, rosy, and vociferous.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, December 17, 1885.
Thomas Lynch, one of Frank Sydal’s harness makers, came in from Caldwell yesterday. He saw the body of Noyes, as it dangled from the beam in the stock yards. He also saw a cowboy on the train, coming out from Caldwell, who was butchered up terribly and claimed to have been waylaid in Caldwell the night before. Some connected this cowboy’s condition with the hanging of the night before. The general belief is that there was a council of war during the four hours between Noyes’s leaving home and the supposed hour of his hanging.
Winfield Courier, Thursday, January 7, 1886.
The Russian leather case, with silver traveling cup, the token of Miss Ida Trezise, was omitted from the list of presents at the Matlack-McMullen wedding. Also Mr. and Mrs. C. Collins and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sydal and perhaps others were unintentionally omitted from the chronicle of those present.

 

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