Vanya (John) Nikolaivich Chernoff

BIRTH 1881 • Slavyanka, Azerbaijan

DEATH 13 JUL 1957 • Nelson, British Columbia

Shortly after John’s arrival in Canada, he was placed by P. V. Verigin into the village of Novia where there was a family that had only girls. During his time there, he married Hanyia Semenoff. They moved to Khutor in 1912.

John and Hanya had one daughter Mabel born in 1905, and five sons: John born in 1908, Nick born in 1912, Peter born in 1917, Sam born in 1919, and Harry born in 1921.

Read more about John in Fred J. Chernoff’s book The Brothers Chernoff.

John N. family with Anyuta — John N. family with mother Anyuta 1924
Anuyta, John N., Hanyia, Mabel J., Pete J., John J., Nick J., Harry J., and Sam J.

Andrew N, John J. and John N. 1914 — Andrew N, John J. and John N. 1914
Andrew Nikolaivich Chernoff, John John Chernoff. and John Nikolaivich Chernoff. 1914

Nikolai Seminoff and Anna Sophonoff — Nikolai Seminoff and Anna Sophonoff
Polly Davidoff (daughter of) Nikolai Seminoff and Anna Sophonoff

Sister of Hanyia — Sister of Hanyia
Sister of Hanyia, Mary Zeebin -r and either Osachoff or Tomilin

Nikolai Seminoff — Nikolai Seminoff
Nikolai Seminoff, husband of Anna Sophonoff, father of Hanyia.

Anna Sophonoff — Anna Sophonoff
Anna Sophonoff, wife of Nikolai Seminoff, mother of Hanyia.

John N. Chernoff Family — John N. Chernoff Family
Back Row: Nick J., John J., Mabel J., Cousin Annie Zeeben (guessing through Hanya’s sister Maria Semenoff who married a Zeeben), Middle row: John N. Chernoff, Hanyia N. Semenoff. Front: Peter J., Sam J., Harry J on mom’s lap.

Mabel (Nasta) J. Chernoff — Mabel (Nasta) J. Chernoff
Mabel (Nasta) J. Chernoff (married John Veregin).

John and Polly — John and Polly
John N Chernoff with his 2nd wife Polly Barisioff. They were married Jan 1940.

Zeeben's truck - Trading Horse — Zeeben’s truck – Trading Horse
1934 or 6 Zeeben’s truck going to trade horse. Exchanged for horse on left (see photo of John N Chernoff with White Stallion. Community horse. Grandfather (John N Chernoff) hired truck. Community had 50-100 horses. Uncle Nick N Chernoff (cowboy) goes out to Alberta to pick out horses to buy. Had cows. Took care of oats and barley too. Prepared much hay for winter.

Pete J Chernoff — Pete J Chernoff
Pete J Chernoff 1937. Loved to dress up.

Case Tractor. Threshing machine. — Case Tractor. Threshing machine.
Case Tractor. Threshing machine. Belonged to community. Nick J. Chernoff and daughter Helen operators.

Case Tractor and Nick J. Chernoff. — Case Tractor and Nick J. Chernoff.
Case Tractor and Nick J. Chernoff.

Need Help to Identify — Need Help to Identify
Grandma Fanny K?oldenen and Grandpa. mom – Mabel Chernoff. Tall lady is aunty Mabel Chernof from Sask (Nick’s wife) Aunty P. all(?) Farm Grand Forks BC.

Nick J Chernoff operating machinery. — Nick J Chernoff operating machinery.
Saskatchewan, Sept. 24, 1939 Nick J Chernoff operating machinery.

Harry Chernoff — Harry Chernoff
Harry Chernoff. Bought brand new tractor $3000 in the 1940s when the horses had hoof disease so had to buy a tractor.

John N Chernoff and Polly — John N Chernoff and Polly
1940 John N Chernoff and 2nd wife Polly. Mr Zeeben, cousin aunty? Not sure who the child is.

Peter J Chernoff — Peter J Chernoff
Feb 16; 1940 in Saskatchewan. Peter J Chernoff went visiting wife Mable’s cousin north of Veregin; had Flo with them. Sleigh “Caboose” had stove inside.

Florence Chernoff with grandfather John — Florence Chernoff with grandfather John
Florence Chernoff with grandfather John (Vanya) N Chernoff. 1941, Oct 12. Veregin Saskatchewan.

Pete J Chernoff Mable and Florence — Pete J Chernoff Mable and Florence
1940. Pete J Chernoff Mable and Florence. By Moojelski’s close to Khutor

Chernoff Families — Chernoff Families
Pete J Chernoff Mabel and Florence on left, Brother John J Chernoff and wife Mabel. Sister Mabel J Chernoff with husband John Verigen at Pete and Mabel’s place in Grandforks. Up in the village above Fruitovia where Pete lived. 1950s

Harry J Chernoff with mother Hanya — Harry J Chernoff with mother Hanya
Harry J Chernoff with mother Hanya 1932.

Chernoff Women — Chernoff Women
L. to R. Mabel Chernoff (Mother to Florence), Helen Chernoff (daughter to Nick J Chernoff) Mabel Verigin nee Chernoff (daughter to John N Chernoff), Florence and cousin Ellen July 18, 1949, Grandforks.

Chernoff Brothers — Chernoff Brothers
John N Chernoff and 2nd wife Polly Barisoff, brother Mike N Chernoff and wife Hanya (Helen) Saskatchewan Jan 6, 1940

John and Polly — John and Polly
John N Chernoff and 2nd Wife Polly Barisoff Khutor Jan 20, 1940

Mabel and husband Pete J Chernoff with sister-in-law Mabel (Nick J Chernoff's wife). Grandforks, BC 1960. At Aunty Verigen's (Mabel J Chernoff) — Grand Forks BC
Mabel and husband Pete J Chernoff with sister-in-law Mabel (Nick J Chernoff’s wife). Grandforks, BC 1960. At Aunty Verigen’s (Mabel J Chernoff)

Florence and Grandfather John — Florence and Grandfather John
Florence Chernoff and Grandfather John N Chernoff Fruitovia Village, Grandforks July 17, 1949

Florence and Grandfather John — Florence and Grandfather John
John N Chernoff and grandaughter Florence Chernoff. Khutor farm 1941

Chernoffs — Chernoffs
left: Harry J Chernoff with father John N Chernoff, RIght: John N Chernoff with 2nd wife Polly Barisoff

Florence and Grandfather John — Florence and Grandfather John
Florence Chernoff and grandfather John N Chernoff July 18, 1949

Pete J Chernoff — Pete J Chernoff and relatives
1948 – Cousin Davidoff, Pete J Chernoff, Aunt Polly (from mother-in-law Mabel’s side) and Florence and her mom Mabel.

John, Polly and Florence — John, Polly and Florence
John N Chernoff with 2nd wife Polly Barisoff holding John’s Grand daughter Florence Chernoff, Khutor Sask Oct 12, 1941

Threshing Time — Threshing Time
1935. Lunch time after threshing done. Pile in back – straw. Nick appointed lead and operated the threshing machine. Nick in middle.

Great Grandmother Semenoff — Great Grandmother Semenoff
Grandmother Semenoff (Anna Nikolaeva Sophonoff b. 1858 d. 1944. married to Nikolai Fedorovich Semenoff b. 1858 d. 1918) to Mabel, John, Nick, Pete, Sam, and Harry J. Chernoff. She was born in Russia, Caucasus area, now Azerbaijan. Photo taken in Popoff Davidoff Podmeroff village above Fuitova School, Grandforks. She is sifting grain in the wind with the pan. This picture was taken in the fall.

Grandmother Semenoff and daughter-in-laws — Grandmother Semenoff and daughter-in-laws
Digging Potatoes. Aunty Dora Chernoff, Hanya Chernoff nee Semenoff (wife of John N) Mabel – John Js wife, Mabel- Nick Js wife (both daughters-in-law to Hanya)

Mabel J Chernoff — Mabel J Chernoff
Left “General Bill Chernoff’s sister. Right Mabel J Chernoff in Verigen work hauling grain at thrushing time. In year 1920s – Bill Chernoff section 15 Ranch.

John N Chernoff — John N Chernoff
John N Chernoff with one of the Khutor horses – 1936 Saskatchewan

Chernoffs and Cousin Davidoff — Chernoffs and Cousin Davidoff
Sam J Chernoff, Harry J Chernoff, John N Chernoff, Fred Davidoff (cousin), Pete J Chernoff. Khutor ranch 1935 Saskatchewan

John and Mabel's Wedding Day — John and Mabel’s Wedding Day
Khutor Farm Sask. John and Mabel’s Wedding Day L. to R. Bill Chernoff, Peter M Zeeben, John J Chernoff, John J Veregin (from village Kapustina), Mabel J Chernoff, Nora [Laura] N. Chernoff (married to Fred Rilkoff) Mary F. Chernoff (married John F. Chutskoff), Front Nick J Chernoff (Maple trees in the back).

John N Chernoff, wife Hanya N Semenoff. — John N Chernoff, wife Hanya N Semenoff.
John N Chernoff, wife Hanya N Semenoff. March 12. 1932

Grandmother Hanya's Funeral — Grandmother Hanya’s Funeral
It was very cold 40 below. March 12, 1932. Hanya Chernoff nee Semenoff’s funeral. Mother to Mabel, John, Nick, Pete, Sam and Harry.

Grandmother Hanya's Funeral — Grandmother Hanya’s Funeral
It was very cold 40 below. March 12, 1932. Hanya Chernoff nee Semenoff’s funeral. Mother to Mabel, John, Nick, Pete, Sam and Harry.

Semenoff Family and John N Chernoff — Semenoff Family and John N Chernoff
Novoye Village, North of Mikado. Picture Labeled 1910, but it is likely 1908 because John J. Chernoff the baby in the photo was born in Aug 1908. Man standing in middle is John N. Chernoff, The three women in the back row are all sisters. Woman on left is Mary Semenoff (married Nikifor “Max’ Zeeben) mother of Max, Pete, Annie and Pat. To the right of John is his first wife Helen / Hanya Semenoff, next is Irene Semenoff (Married Peter D. Osachoff). Seated man is Helen’s father Nikolai (Nick) Semenoff (buried in Grand Forks) Nick is holding grandchildren Pete Zeeben born 1903 and Mabel J. Chernoff born 1905. Little girl on left is Annie Zeeben born 1904. Seated woman is Helen’s mother, Annie Sofonoff, (buried in Salmo BC), she is holding grandson John J. Chernoff born 1908.

Man standing in middle John N Chernoff, 2 women standing on right are 2 Semenoff sisters (There were 6 sisters.) Helen / Hanyai (John's first wife) and Irene Semenoff Osachoff.
Seated man is Helen's father Nikolai (Nick) Semenoff (buried in Grand Forks)
Nick is holding Pete Zeeben and Mabel (his grand daughter). Little girl on left is Annie Zeeben.
Seated woman is Helen's mother, Annie Sofonoff, she is holding a grandson John (buried in Salmo BC).
Woman on left is sister Mary Semenoff (Zeeben) mother of Max.

1910 Otradnoye Village, North of Mikado - In 1899, Doukhobors from Elizavetpol, Russia established a village near the Whitesand River in the present Veregin district of Saskatchewan. Having endured great persecution in Russia, they named it Poterpevshiye (Потерпевшие) meaning “those who have suffered” or “victims” in Russian. When Doukhobor leader Peter "Lordly" Verigin arrived in Canada from exile in 1902, it was renamed (Отрадное) meaning “joyful” or “delightful” in Russian to reflect his people’s joy at having him once more among them. The village had a gristmill and flax press. It was the headquarters of the CCUB from 1902-1905. A stately residence was built there in 1902 for Peter "Lordly" Verigin. The village was abandoned by 1918 as villagers relocated to British Columbia. (1905 pop. 199) [[NE/SE27-31-1-W2] — John N Chernoff Family and In-laws
Man standing in middle John N Chernoff, 2 women standing on right are 2 Semenoff sisters (There were 6 sisters.) Helen / Hanyai (John’s first wife) and Irene Semenoff Osachoff. Seated man is Helen’s father Nikolai (Nick) Semenoff (buried in Grand Forks) Nick is holding Pete Zeeben and Mabel (his grand daughter). Little girl on left is Annie Zeeben. Seated woman is Helen’s mother, Annie Sofonoff, she is holding a grandson John (buried in Salmo BC). Woman on left is sister Mary Semenoff (Zeeben) mother of Max. 1910 Otradnoye Village, North of Mikado – In 1899, Doukhobors from Elizavetpol, Russia established a village near the Whitesand River in the present Veregin district of Saskatchewan. Having endured great persecution in Russia, they named it Poterpevshiye (Потерпевшие) meaning “those who have suffered” or “victims” in Russian. When Doukhobor leader Peter “Lordly” Verigin arrived in Canada from exile in 1902, it was renamed (Отрадное) meaning “joyful” or “delightful” in Russian to reflect his people’s joy at having him once more among them. The village had a gristmill and flax press. It was the headquarters of the CCUB from 1902-1905. A stately residence was built there in 1902 for Peter “Lordly” Verigin. The village was abandoned by 1918 as villagers relocated to British Columbia. (1905 pop. 199) [[NE/SE27-31-1-W2]

Chernoff Brothers — Chernoff Brothers
Chernoff Brothers Pete on Left, Sam on Right and Harry in the Sleigh at Khutor. 1923 or 24.

Sam J Chernoff at Khutor Farm — Sam J Chernoff at Khutor Farm
Sam J Chernoff about 1928 Section 13 Khutor Ranch. L. to R. Cow Barn, Sam, House, Bath House, Horse Barn, Implement shed. It says in Russian they lived there since 1914. (saskatchewan)

Grandmother Anyuta and John N. Chernoff Family — Grandmother Anyuta and John N. Chernoff Family
Taken at Khutor Ranch Section 13 near Veregin Saskatchewan. Grandma Anuta (Annie) Chernoff nee Popoff, John N Chernoff, wife Hanya Semenoff, Mabel, Nick John, Front: Pete, Harry, Sam.

Mikalai Chernoff — Mikalai Chernoff
Mikalai Chernoff 1920s Khutor Ranch Saskatchewan. All Chernoffs in the car. Pete J in front seat, Sam J (blond boy back left) Gray hat Nick J. Black Hat Alex (wife was an osachof), boys in middle row not named. girl Morootka?

Under the bridge at Fred F. Chernoff's farm. — Under the bridge at Fred F. Chernoff’s farm.
L. to R. Fred Davidoff, John Konkin, Harry Chernoff, Joe Fofonoff, Bill Podovilnekoff (Joe Sherstobitoff’s Uncle), Jim Fofonoff, and top right Sam Chernoff and John Chernoff. Veregin Saskatchewan Spring 1935 – Under the bridge at Fred F. Chernoff’s farm.

Grandmother Helen's Funeral — Grandmother Helen’s Funeral
Grandmother Helen (Hanya) Chernoff nee Semenoff. Harry 11 yrs, Pete 15 years. 1932

Grandmother Helen's Funeral — Grandmother Helen’s Funeral
Grandmother Helen (Hanya) Chernoff nee Semenoff. Harry 11 yrs, Pete 15 years. 1932

On Kootenay Lake Ferry. — On Kootenay Lake Ferry.
On Kootenay Lake Ferry. 1936 Sam J Chernoff on far right.

Digging Potatoes. — Digging Potatoes.
Digging Potatoes. Aunty Dora Chernoff, Hanya Chernoff nee Semenoff (wife of John N) Mabel – John Js wife, Mabel- Nick Js wife (both daughters-in-law to Hanya)

Harry Cheernoff 1939 $3000 new tractor bought. Veregin Saskatchewan. — Harry Cheernoff
Harry Cheernoff 1939 $3000 new tractor bought. Veregin Saskatchewan.

1922 Taken at Khutor Ranch near Veregin Saskatchewan - John N. Chernoff and Hanyia N. Semenoff's Family
Back Row: Nick J., John J., Mabel J., Cousin Annie Zeeben (through Hanya's sister Maria Semenoff who married a Zeeben - Annie married George Konkin, she is Max Z's sister), Middle row: John N., Hanyia N. Front: Peter J., Sam J., Harry J. on mom's lap. she ) Middle John N Chernoff, wife Hanya/Helen Semenoff, front Pete, Sam, Harry on knee — John N Chernoff & Hanyia Semenoff Family
1922 Taken at Khutor Ranch near Veregin Saskatchewan – John N. Chernoff and Hanyia N. Semenoff’s Family Back Row: Nick J., John J., Mabel J., Cousin Annie Zeeben (through Hanya’s sister Maria Semenoff who married a Zeeben – Annie married George Konkin, she is Max Z’s sister), Middle row: John N., Hanyia N. Front: Peter J., Sam J., Harry J. on mom’s lap. she ) Middle John N Chernoff, wife Hanya/Helen Semenoff, front Pete, Sam, Harry on knee

Sam J Chernoff — Sam J Chernoff
Sam J Chernoff about 1928 Section 13 Khutor Ranch. L. to R. Cow Barn, Sam, House, Bath House, Horse Barn, Implement shed. It says in Russian they lived there since 1914. (saskatchewan)

Grandmother Annie (Anuta) John N Chernoff, wife Hanya — Grandmother Annie (Anuta) John N Chernoff, wife Hanya
mid 1923 or 1924. Grandmother Annie (Anuta) John N Chernoff, wife Hanya, Mabel, Nick, John, front; Pete, Harry, Sam. on side. Polly and Fred Chernoff and on the edge it says “his son Paul, uncle Mike Chernoff”.

Aunty Mabel — Aunty Mabel
Left “General Bill Chernoff’s sister. Right Mabel J Chernoff in Verigen work hauling grain at thrushing time. In year 1920s – Bill Chernoff section 15 Ranch.

John N Chernoff — John N Chernoff
John N Chernoff 1934 Veregin Saskatchewan. Grandfather at work with stud horse

Semenoff Sisters — Semenoff Sisters
Pearl Semenoff Tomlin b. 1892 d. 1951, Mary Semenoff Zeeben, sisters to Hanyia Nikoevna Semenoff b. 1883 d. 1933 – wife to John N. Chernoff

Semenoff Sisters — Semenoff Sisters
Pearl Semenoff Tomlin b. 1892 d. 1951, Mary Semenoff Zeeben, sisters to Hanyia Nikoevna Semenoff b. 1883 d. 1933 – wife to John N. Chernoff

Irene Osachoff nee Semenoff — Irene Osachoff nee Semenoff
Irene Osachoff nee Semenoff with children Peter b. 1917 and Pauline b. 1918. Irene is sister to Hanya, wife of John N. Chernoff.

Popoff Sisters — Popoff Sisters
Anuta (Annie) Popoff b. 1858 d. 1934 (Married Nikolai T Chernoff), and her sister Dora Popoff who lived in Yorkton Sask.

Pete J Chernoff — Pete J Chernoff
Pete J Chernoff 1937 Pincer Creek Alberta

Nick J Chernoff and family — Nick J Chernoff and family
label: Brother Nick J Chernoff – Molly on the Left Vera Middle with father Nick J Chernoff.

Molly, Vera, Helen — Molly, Vera, Helen
Nick J Chernoff’s girls in Saskachewan Molly, Vera, Helen

Peter J. Chernoff — Peter J. Chernoff
Peter J. Chernoff 1937

Irene N Semenoff — Irene N Semenoff
Irene N Semenoff married an Osachoff (or could be Zeeben ask bill Kabatoff). Sister to Hanya Chernoff nee Semenoff.

Mabel Potapoff and Pete J Chernof — Mabel Potapoff and Pete J Chernof
Mabel Potapoff and Pete J Chernoff (age 18?) Married in 1939 at Fruitova Village May 14. All Dressed up and coming or going to a meeting up on the hillside aove Sirotskiya. Everyone gathered there, younger generation. There was nothing else to do except go to the meeting. Taken below R.R. tracks in the rocks.

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