Sidney Van Wyck arrived in San Francisco from directory lists Van Wyck as in business with a Mr. Baltimore before 1851. By 1860 he was working as Winchester in Aurora, Nevada Territory, a laborer in a gold refinery in the city. Kelly’s 1863 directory lists Van Wyck as in business with Mr. Winchester in Aurora, Nevada Territory.
A Timeline of Sidney Van Wyck's Happenings, according to local records and documents:
1864
Van Wyck & Co. Assayers. Taylor’s Building, Taylor Street Virginia City.
Gold and Silver Bullion Melted and Assayed, and returns made in Bars the day of deposit. Our Assays Will conform strictly to the standard of the U.S. Mint, And our charges will be the same as in San Francisco. Particular attention given to Ore Assays.
Virginia Daily Union, June 3, 1864
1865
Van Wyck & Sanchez, Gold Hill,... Nevada
We are now prepared to receive Deposits of Gold and Silver Bullion, For Melting and Assaying...
Gold Hill Daily News, September 1865
1866
Removal:
Messrs. Van Wyck & Co., assayers of this city are about to remove their assaying apparatus to their office in Gold Hill, where they intend to concentrate their entire business of assaying.
Territorial Enterprise, May 2, 1866
1867
Van Wyck & Sanchez Gold Hill
Langley’s Pacific Coast Business Directory for 1867Van Wyck, Sydney M. Assayer. Dwells at 916 Leavenworth
Langley’s San Francisco Directory for the Year Commencing September 1867
1868
E. Ruhling Gold Hill Branch Assay advertises as successor to Van Wyck & Co., Main Street, Gold Hill, NV
Virginia Territorial Enterprise, April 1868
1869-1871
Van Wyck & Co.
Late of Virginia City and Gold Hill Assayers Main Street, Hamilton
(Successors to Theall & Co.). We are prepared to Melt and Assay Silver Bullion at San Francisco charges. Ore Assays carefully made at reasonable rates.
Daily Inland Empire, June 12, 1869Sidney M. Van Wyck, Age: 39, Occupation: Assayer, Real Estate: $5,000, Personal Estate: $8,000, Birthplace: Maryland, wife and four children.
1870 Ninth Federal Census, Hamilton City, Nevada, White Pine CountyVan Wyck & Co. Hamilton, White Pine County, Assayers, Main
The Pacific Coast Directory for 1871-1873
1887
Obituary. Van Wyck-In this city, April 27, Sidney M. Van Wyck, a native of Maryland, aged 57 years.
Alta California, April 28, 1887
