The Kocherans

Ukraine remembers famine horror - Story #2

2010-01-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Ukraine remembers famine horror

By Laura Sheeter
BBC News, Kiev

Ekaterina Marchenko is insistent.
"I can't have you leaving here hungry," she says. "Here, just have this bowl of soup, and maybe later you'll feel like having a sandwich, or a cup of tea and a piece of cake."
The hospitable 87-year-old cannot bear the thought of her guest being less than full, but then she has a horror of going hungry.
Seventy-five years ago, Ekaterina saw seven members of her family and almost all of her neighbours starve to death, in a man-made famine that killed millions of people in Ukraine.

Tree bark and roots
The "Holodomor" or "famine plague" as it is known in Ukraine, was part of Joseph Stalin's programme to crush the resistance of the peasantry to the collectivisation of farming.

“ Don't go near the priest's house either - because the neighbours there have killed and eaten their children ”
Ekaterina Marchenko recalls a warning from her mother

When in 1932 the grain harvest did not meet the Kremlin's targets, activists were sent to the villages where they confiscated not just grain and bread, but all the food they could find.

The confiscations continued into 1933, and the results were devastating. No-one is sure how many people died, but historians say that in under a year at least three million and possibly up to 10 million starved to death.
The horrors Ekaterina saw live with her still.

"We didn't have any funerals - whole families died," she tells me.
"Of our neighbours I remember all the Solveiki family died, all of the Kapshuks, all the Rahachenkos too - and the Yeremo family - three of them, still alive, were thrown into the mass grave."

Ekaterina, her mother and brother, survived by eating tree bark, roots and whatever they could find - but she says starvation drove others to terrible deeds.

"One day mother said to us, 'children, you can't take your usual shortcut through the village anymore because the grandpa in the house nearby killed his grandson and ate him - and now he's been killed by his son...
And don't go near the priest's house either - because the neighbours there have killed and eaten their children.'"

Though some, like Ekaterina, can never forget what happened, many Ukrainians had never heard of the famine until the country's independence - such was the secrecy about it during Soviet times.

But every year since independence, events to commemorate the famine get larger, and momentum is growing behind a campaign to raise international awareness of what happened.

This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Holodomor, and Ukraine is starting a year of commemorations.

Events are being held across the country. And around the world members of the Ukrainian diaspora are also marking the anniversary.

Ukraine has officially declared the Holodomor a genocide - it says the famine was part of a campaign to crush Ukrainian nationalism.

Russian objections
Ukraine's borders were sealed during the famine, say scholars, to ensure the subjugation of the whole country.
It is a message Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko wants to take to the world.

This anniversary is being used to boost a campaign for other countries, and the United Nations, to officially declare the Holodomor a genocide, too.

But Russia objects. The Russians are accusing Ukraine of using the tragedy of the past to gain political advantage.

The famine could not be genocide, they say, because there was starvation in many parts of the Soviet Union at the time and, they add, for the Ukrainians to claim it was aimed at them is an insult to those of other nationalities who died.

Within Ukraine there is division too.

The head of the country's Communist Party, Pyotr Simonenko, does not believe there was any deliberate starvation at all, and he accuses President Yushchenko of using the famine to stir up hatred.

"He draws people's attention to history so as not to answer questions about the problems of today - he speaks of the dead, not thinking of the living," he says.
"Yushchenko has set a time bomb under Ukrainian-Russian relations.
"His insistence that this be recognised as a genocide - which is by the way, an idea with no foundation - will only lead to someone using it in the future to ignite inter-ethnic conflict."

Though few in Ukraine share Mr Simonenko's interpretation of history, there is some sympathy with his view that the commemoration has been politicised, and that the campaign could damage relations with Russia.

None of this, however, is deterring President Yushchenko. He says he wants a new law criminalising Holodomor denial - and to see new monuments to the famine built in Ukraine before the end of the year's commemorations.

It remains to be seen whether those monuments will bring Ukrainians together in remembrance, or divide them along political lines.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/7111296.stm

The Ukraine Holomodor

2010-01-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

History books failed to inform many of us about the 1932-1933 holocaust or homodor of the Ukranian people. My grandparents left their home country of Ukraine in 1914 and I'm grateful they did. After you read this, you will be too.

I watched Glenn Beck's "The Revolutionary Holocaust: Live Free or Die" -- most do not know about the millions upon millions of lives lost in a different genocide of the Ukrainian people under the Stalin regime. My heart is heavy with thoughts of 25,000 people dying EACH DAY. How did this happen? Why did it happen?

The shortage of grain was due to Stalin. Stalin ordered all farms in the Ukraine be turned into communal farms. Those farmers who did not comply were imprisoned. One farmer in particular was forced to divorce his wife. After he left prison, he could not see his children or his family.

All grain was shipped to the Soviet Union where Stalin then shipped this grain elsewhere for profit. . . . All food stocks were forcibly requisitioned; a military cordon prevented all supplies from entering; and the people were left to die. The aim was to kill Ukrainian nationhood, and with it the “class enemy.” The death toll reached some 7 million. The world has seen many terrible famines. . . . But a famine organized as a genocidal act of state policy must be considered unique. (2)

Piers Brendon, The Dark Valley, pp. 248-49 (2000) gives this description, drawn from still further sources, all cited in his notes:

A population of “walking corpses” . . . even ate horse-manure for the whole grains of seed it contained. . . . Cannibalism became so common-place that. . . local authorities issued hundreds of posters announcing that “EATING DEAD CHILDREN IS BARBARISM.”. . .

They staggered into towns and collapsed in the squares. . . . Haunting the railway stations these “swollen human shadows, full of rubbish, alive with lice,” followed passengers with mute appeals. . . . [They] “dragged themselves along, begging for bread or searching for scraps in garbage heaps, frozen and filthy. Each morning wagons rolled along the streets picking up the remains of the dead.” Some were picked up before they died and buried in pits so extensive that they resembled sand dunes and so shallow that bodies were dug up and devoured by wolves.

According to S. J. Taylor, Stalin’s Apologist: Walter Duranty, The New York Times’s Man in Moscow, p. 202 (Oxford University Press 1990), “. . .Soviet authorities . . . require[d] that the shades of all windows be pulled down on trains traveling through the North Caucasus, the Ukraine and the Volga basin.” At pp. 239-40, Taylor says this famine “remains the greatest man-made disaster ever recorded, exceeding in scale even the Jewish Holocaust of the next decade.”

According to Arthur Koestler, The Ghost in the Machine, pp. 261-62 (1967):
In 1932-3, the years of the great famine which followed the forced collectivisation of the land, I travelled widely in the Soviet Union, writing a book which was never published. I saw entire villages deserted, railway stations blocked by crowds of begging families, and the proverbial starving infants. . . . [T]hey were quite real, with stick-like arms, puffed up bellies and cadaverous heads. I reacted to the brutal impact of reality on illusion in a manner typical of the true believer. I was surprised and bewildered—but the elastic shock-absorbers of my [Communist] Party training began to operate at once. I had eyes to see, and a mind conditioned to explain away what they saw. This “inner censor” is more reliable and effective than any official censorship. . . .

Glenn Beck + Video: http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/35425/ (graphic)

Information on the Homodor was taken here: http://www.israelshamir.net/shamirReaders/english/Lysson--Holocaust-and-Homodor.php

Our Family - Carpatho-Rusyn

2008-09-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my cousin, Skip (Joe) Magyar, I can finally say with all certainty that the Kocheran and Magyar families are Carpatho-Rusyns. Skip hired an investigator to find the final key to our family's ancestry.

This is our family emblem - Carpatho-Rusyn.

Love,

Linda

Our Ancestral Puzzle – Putting All The Pieces Together

2008-01-11T15:25:00.000-08:00

By
Linda Kocheran Tygenhof

Mary Kocheran and a Friend

My grandparents Mary and John came from the “old” country, now Ukraine, near the city of Uzgorod, near the Carpathian Mountains. They were Russian Orthodox and brought their religion to the new country. The map shows the area where John and Mary Kocheran once lived. Please read more about Transcarpathia and our grandparents ancestral home here: http://www.simkovich.org/carpatho-rusyns.carpathorussianhistory.htm

The early 20th century posed many problems for foreign immigrants. Upon arrival to the US, learning the English language was a difficult obstacle. There were no programs set up for them to attend and learn English . The fact is, they LEARNED to speak in their new tongue - English. Immigrants learned the hard way by listening over and over to their friends, coworkers, and sometimes their own children who attended public school. Janos and Maria (my grandparents’ “old country” names) could not read or write. Education was not available to peasants in the old country.

In the early 1900’s, Europe as it exists today was entirely different. I wanted to know their birthplaces, why they left their homeland for the United States of America? Where did they reside once they settled here? What about their family; where is everyone located and how many of us are there?

A one-way steerage ticket back in the 1900’s was about $30.00 and passengers in their home country were able to purchase these tickets without making reservations. Getting aboard was “first come, first serve” for steerage. Representatives or “free lance artists” from the shipping lines would travel throughout European countries selling these tickets. Before 1900 passports were not required. Janos would need to obtain his passport somewhere around his place of birth. That might have been Uzhorod, Ukraine, the administrative center of the country.

Janos would have traveled from Ferszio Senewir, Hungary, and perhaps board a train at Uzhorod to Hamburg to board the President Lincoln. Traveling to the port would not be easy. If he could not afford a train, Janos might have traveled by wagon, donkey, or even on foot to wait to board the ship. While waiting, he would need to get his paperwork in order. A US visa would be required from the American consul.

After approximately ten days aboard the ship the President Lincoln, Janos arrived at Ellis Island, New York at the age of twenty-seven on May 24, 1913. His name on the immigration certificate showed the spelling of his last name as “Kuczerhan”. The first name was listed as Janos. For identification purposes, Janos would have had his country of origin’s documentation with him otherwise he would not be permitted to stay in the United States. Inspectors operated under strict orders not to make any changes on the immigrant’s documentation. And, these inspectors were comprised of immigrants themselves who knew many foreign languages. Therefore, it was easier for correct documentation to be processed. However, many years later it would prove to be like searching for a needle in a haystack for those of us who did not know our ancestor’s true names.

Our family’s surname and birthplace was found because of a site I found entitled Ukraine.com. I joined the site to be able to access the Genealogy Forum, hoping to find my grandparents and their place of birth. I could not speak Ukrainian. My father, however, can speak and understand a little Slovak. As a little girl even I picked up a few phrases that to this day I do not know they mean.

Janos, approximately five foot seven inches with blond hair and blue eyes had left his wife Maria and baby daughter Irene in the old country. Janos sailed to the United States, would travel to Export, Pennsylvania to find work as a coal miner, and save for ship fare for Maria to come and join him.

Maria and Irene had escaped the advancing war that would destroy their country. They would have to travel through Poland and to the Netherlands to board the ship Rotterdam for America. As an adult, I now can only begin to understand the anxiety, fear, and uncertainty that Maria must have felt leaving her homeland with a tiny, young daughter, alone, with hopes of peace, freedom, and prosperity. After all, there were no cell phones, let alone telephones. Telegrams were the mode of communication at the turn of the century.

World War I started about the time of my grandmother's departure from Europe with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife on June 28, 1914. The killer was found, arrested and found to be Serbian. Austria then issued an ultimatum to the Serbian government and with Austria’s alliance with Germany, declared war on Serbia July 28, 1914. Russia was an ally of Serbia and Germany went on to declare war on Russia and France. In a matter of days, Britain would escalate the war further by declaring war on Germany.

Janos and Maria were from Carpatho-Ruthenia (Latin version) or Carpatho-Russia or what is now the Ukraine. Janos and Maria had this location placed on their immigration papers. With the help of my new Ukrainian friends at Ukraine.com, they were able to tell me the area as it is known today: Synevirska Polyanian Mizhirskij rajon, district Zakarpatska oblast, Ukraine.

This has been a search of love, love for my parents, Steve and Theresa, and Mary and John, my grandparents. I wish as a child I had asked more questions, been more interested in their lives, and spent more time with them. Ah, well, someday I plan to ask them hundreds of questions when we meet again in heaven!!

Thank you Skip Magyar, Cheryl Silverio Eimer, Sue Harper (Irene Kocheran Payton's grandaughter), Bob Delong for all their help in closing up the ties to the story.

go here to see pictures of old Uzhorod at the time of Grandpa and Gram. http://ungvar.vox.com.ua/

2008-01-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

Aunt Irene in blue dress

My daughter, Heather, grandson Devon and Donald

Betty Payton (above), daughter of Irene Payton

Sophie Kocheran Silverio and Cheryl

Dad's 80th Birthday with me, Linda and Mom

My Dad, Steve

Devon, Heather, Theresa & Steve Kocheran

2008-01-08T20:29:00.001-08:00

Thanks to my cousin Bob Delong for this picture of his mother Mary and my aunt Louise Magyar. Mary, bless her heart is with Gram and Grandpa and our dear Lord.

Beautiful family

2008-01-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

Cousins - A Blast from the Past

2008-01-08T19:46:00.001-08:00

The Kocheran Family Ancestral Home

2008-01-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Ferszio Senewir, Hungary, today known as Synevirska Polyanain Mizhirskij raion.......district > Zakarpatska oblast > Ukraine, zip 90040. At the turn of the last century, this region was called Marmarosh.

At the age of 29, Janos Kuczerhan arrived at Ellis Island, New York on May 24, 1913. He left behind his wife, Mary and young daughter Irene. Janos came to find work as a coal miner in Pennsylvania to make a better life for his family. Janos was approximately 5'7" with blond hair and blue eyes.

Janos was married to Mary (Rosco) (Father: John Rosco) or Maria which shows on the Rotterdam's ship manifest. He left his wife Maria and baby daughter Irene who would join him later in August 1914. Janos was naturalized in 1936 as John Kocherhan. Birthdate approx: 1884.

After arriving in the US, he traveled to Westmoreland County, Export, PA with a friend Josef Mehacz.
At the turn of the last century 1900, this region was called Marmarosh. Grandpa referred to this town in some of his papers. His official "nativity" on the manifest is Ruthenian - Hungarian.

I want to thank my dear new friends in the Ukraine at Ukraine.com for their help in finding my beloved grandparents. Thank you Hannia, Caroln, and Serhii................Linda Kocheran Tygenhof

2008-01-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Linda (Kocheran) Tygenhof and her husband, Ray at Mount Vernon, Virginia, the home of President George Washington. 2004, December

2008-01-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

Here is Steve Kocheran, Jr., aka "Butch", Linda's brother. He lives in Paris, France and we communicate daily via Messenger. He loves his European life. Ray and I plan on visiting next fall.

Steve "Coach" Kocheran, my dad

2008-01-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

My dad has always been my hero. Throughout my childhood and adult years, Dad remained our rock. He was our provider, mentor, educator (he taught history), coach (coached football, track & basketball), and shoulder for all the tears shed in the family. And, yes, I was the "princess" in a family of boys. I have 3 brothers.

Dad is still my rock. Distance does not keep us from talking several times a week. He and Mom are always there for me.

Dad always wanted to ride our horse RSK. RSK is a gentle quarter horse. His sire is Royal Silver King, a champion cutting horse during the 1980's. RSK has taken my grandchildren on rides. RSK also provided joy to an autistic child. So when Dad wanted to ride RSK in the round pen, I didn't think twice about it. RSK is now 18 years old but thinks he's still a youngster. When he's out on trail, his endurance is still great and you better be prepared for trotting and a fast walk.

Tyler Jon Kocheran is Getting Married!

2007-12-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the invitation. Congratulations Tyler & Leandra!

Mike - NEW Information

2007-12-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to this site the following information was posted by Herb Harpe

http://b24bw.proboards33.com/index.cgi

T/Sgt Michael Kocherhan was radio operator on "Lil' Blon-Dee' S/N 42-73424. 343rd Bomb Sq. 98th Bomb Group, when it was hit by FLAK on 29 March 1944, just after bomb release and burst into flames. Within a few seconds both wings broke off and no chutes were seen.The pilot was Eric F Siemens. Robert Reed was a S/Sgt gunner.
B - 24 # 41- 29136 JU Q
" El Toro - Bull of the Woods "446th BG , 707th Sq.9/6/45
RFC Altus , Ok. - Scrapped
Herb Harper, Former Historian 98th Bomb Group Vets. Assoc.

The El Toro "Flying Bull" patch was designed by Walt Disney in 1944. It survived virtually unchanged until the close of the Air Station.

Below is El Toro Bull of the Woods plane

Our Family Hero - Mike Kocherhan

2007-12-16T14:45:00.000-08:00

World War II hit our family as it did many thousands of families. Mike joined the air corps and was stationed in Europe. This is our story about Mike, the guy who loved to tinker with cars.

The crew at right and below is Mike's "El Toro the Bull of the Woods" B24 Liberator. He was NOT with this crew when he was killed. Mike filled in for another crewman of another plane. The worst part about this was he had flown his last flight with his crew and the El Toro crew would go on to provide air support for the landings at Normandy. Mike is standing, far right. Grandpa Kocheran would write a letter to his commanding officer inquiring about Mike. Nobody told the family he was on another plane when he was killed. I believe for a while, Grandpa and Grandma refused to believe he was dead. In the end, however, they did receive proof that Mike was killed, his plane bombed with a full payload, and crashed into the mountainside of Northern Italy, the Tyrol region.

The invitations on the left were written by the wonderful people of the area of Steinegg. Hans Mahlknecht was a child when he saw the plane crash. He ran over to the site and will never forget the horror he witnessed. Hans was instrumental in having the memorial built across the mountain from the crash site. THANK YOU HANS! The site and families was found by Keith Bullock and Keith was also instrumental in helping Hans and the surrounding areas in building the memorial. Keith and Hans are dear family friends now. Steve, Theresa, Steve, Jr., Ray, Linda, and Heather all visited Steinegg in 2004 to commemorate yet again the sacrifice of these young men. When you are in Italy, please visit Steinegg, which is located on the mountaintop above Bozen, Italy. You will love the warmth of the people.

Here are Linda, Ray Tygenhof with their daughter Heather and brother, Steve Jr., at the memorial site near Steinegg, Italy.

Please double click on the invitations to read about the ceremony. Mike's original crew of the 446th Bomber Group is pictured below.

The picture of this crew is the plane Mike was killed aboard.

Here is a picture of the handsome lad....Michael Kocheran

Janos-John and Maria-Mary Passenger Records

2007-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Grandma was listed as Ivanne or Irene the baby she and grandpa had in the old country. I believe what happened is this: Irene was her daughter who was very young and traveling with her. Off to the right on the original ship's manifest is listed "Maria". The below confirms her hometown as Grandpa's does and the ship Rotterdam. I hope my search is done. My father's surname spelling is K O C H E R A N.