The Portland daily press., 1896-10-24
BARON And NEWSBOY
1on Sydon was a Guest at the We'd.
ding Of Prince Bismarck.
NOW HE SELLS PAPERS in THE
STREETS OF CHICAGO.

The Life Story of Member of the German
Nobility. He Fought Braveiy In the
cupation in His Old Age.
Chicago probably has the most Illus
trious newsboy In the country. He Is
genuine German baron, in financial
straits. As yet no American heiresses
have chased the titled nobleman as hs
strolls along North Clark street, though
this may be because few people know he
really belon gs to the nobility. But most
OF the Germans in Chicago are familiar
with Baron Richard Won Sydow, for he
is probably the greatest character among
the Chicagoans who were formerly resi-
dents of the fatherland.
The Baron is 81 years old and his rud-
sy. weather-beaten face looks much as
Kris Kringle would appear shorn of the
traditional beard. The baron's greatest
honor Is that he was guest at the we'd
ding of Prince Bismarck and Johanna
Won Puttkamer, Frauline Won Puttka-
mer was more over q cousin Of the hus-
years ago the titled newsboy was a cap
tain in the Butcher Hussars, the most
famous cavalry troops of the German
Empire. Later, Won Sydow became
soldier on the union side In the late
civil war, and rose to the rank of cap
tain in the Twelfth Illinois cavalry.
For mum Der of years Won Sydow has
boou ca11ipcy Y,ovvry,opora on tho oav4t>
side, and that is his chief means of sup
port. Occasionally he receives a check
from an uncle who is president of the
great Reich bank in Hamburg. His
friends say the check doesn't last long
for it's recipient is apt to give 1t all to
the first beggar he meets ON the sidewalk.
The baron's favorite resort Ia Mehren's
saloon. and during the day and night he
is often to be found there doing over his
glass of beer or talking German with
some old friend about the glorious days
long past.
Won Sydow is pathological degenerate.
Twenty years ago he could sneak
English as well as any man born in Ger
many, but in late years he hns talked
forgotten most of his English. In late
years, too. Won Sydow's temperament
has grown exceedingly irascible, and
when crossed in the least thing ne flies
to pieces as readily rs did Rip Van
Wrinkles wife. He gets excited ana
pounds the table or bar in front of him,
swings his arms around and talks SO
%Lo \, 10 10
street bridge. All Of his old German
friends humor him. however, and treat
him much as they would pet.
Won Sydow was born in 1884 in the
City of Stulp, Prussia. When old enough
be was placed in German cadet school.
from which he graduated at the age of IS.
He entered the army, and quickly rose
to the rank of first lieutenant 10 the
BluoheT Hussars. and was among those
who fought the Danes in the Danish
German war. The baron carries a long,
| straight soar at the top Of his forehead,
viii ch he recs ived from sword in
| battle during the war. His brave con-
duct on the field won him promotion.
and he was made an aid-de--camp on the
| staff Of Prince Frederick, nephew of
old Emperor William
Notwithstanding the distinction he
had won, the baron determined to for
sake the fatherland and come and try his
fortune in America. He was still holding
the rank OF captain In the Bluohers when
he set sail for the United States He
came to Chicago, where he had a large
| mum Der of friends and acquaintance.
The rebellion had just broken out, and
the baron, with mum Der of his compan-
ions. Joined the northern forces The
baron was assigned to Company B,
Twelfth Illinois cavalry, of which COM
pany he ultimately became the COM
mander.
fact that he knew Bismarck and was q
guest at his wedding than in anything
else. He tells of that event with the
gusto and glee with which a Waterloo
hero would tell of the greatasr battle in
European history. And, by the way,
the baron's father was the noted General
William ven Sydow, who was adjutant
under General Won Bulow in that famous
conflict. The baron often visited at the
home of his sister, whose husband was
related to Bismarck's bride. From this
place 1t was only a few miles to Rhien-
feldt, the home of sthe iron chancellor's
sweetheart, and it was only few miles
in another direction to Vareire, Bis
marck's home. So 1t happened that
when on visit to his sister the baron
very often saw the young people who
were destined to become so prominent
in German history. He says Bismarck
was the best fellow In the world, and his
boyish FRANKS and fellowship made
him popular the country round. He is
even more enthusiastic In his praise of
the fair johanna, who was famous in
the country for her charity work, which
she did in person. Bismarck was only
a lieutenant when he married, and the
ceremony took place in the little village
church of A 1t Colziglow. The Sth day
of Maroh, 1S48, was a great event in the
hamlet. All tho villagers and their
children were invited to witness the mar
riage. ths little church was packed and
crowded as it mad never been before, lit
tie boys and girls scattered flowers down
the aisle for the bridal couple TO walk
upon. and choir of children sang
hymn for the wedding march, for they
had no organ.
The old baron was to have been taken
back to hia fatherland last summer,
when SO many Germans made the trip,
but for some reason he did not 90. He
has now almost given up the idea OF