Maxim Averin <ukrintershop@yahoo.com>.

Website:  https://transcarpathia-research.com/. 

Hungarian names of ZAKARPATTYA Oblast villages (near Uzhhorod, Ukraine):  https://transcarpathia-research.com/read.php?4,38

I've used Maxim for 2 genealogy projects in the past.  Excellent work.  May be taking fewer projects now, but still worth contacting.  Accepts PayPal or Western Union for payment.

It is worth doing some research before commissioning a project.

My grandparents came from Lubnya and Verhovina  Bystra now in the country of Ukraine. I have spent many years researching the  Povchanics nee Pochanics and Strashkulics in these villages. I have been to the archives in Ukraine with all the proper documents I was told to take and it was absolutely fruitless. I stood there as my interpreter and the secretary yelled at each other and I left empty handed .  Maxim , a researcher in Uzhgorod was recommended to me and I took a chance and contacted him It has turned out great. The latest was information from Greek Catholic records of deaths /births/marriages going all the way back to 1848. I have information on ancestors I never knew existed. Its been very rewarding.

Thank you so much!  I see my family names in the listing!

Also—is the 1869 Hungarian census of these villages available anywhere?  I’ve seen the old website, but unless I missed it,  I’ve not seen anything outside of Slovakian villages.

United States Military Registration

Again, a clue is as as important as an answer.

Much to my surprise, many of our people registered with their local draft board during World War One (1914-1918) and World War Two (1941-1945).  This does not mean they were called up, just that the draft board now had a record of all men in the US of eligible age.   It does not appear that any of them, other than US Citizens were called to serve.   

Imagine being a resident alien in this country during either of the World Wars.   They were all "alien enemies".  None were imprisoned, but I'm sure it didn't give out good vibes.

During World War II, there were many callups to serve.  On the fourth draft round, in 1942, they initiated what was called the "Old Man's Draft", asking for men up to the age of 65 to register.   There was never any intent to enlist these people into the service.   The purpose was to identify the occupations and skill levels of people, for wartime production purposes.   For example, if Boeing had a shortage of welders in California, they could locate welders in other places who could help bridge the gap.

So many of our relatives ended up on these lists, and Ancestry.com has loaded all the records.   I found my grandfather, then in his 60's on one of the World War II registrations.    I found a cousin of my grandfather who got "stuck" in the USA during World War One, who had to register.

If you look carefully at these records, you can find some remarkable information.   Under the section of "identifying features", my grandfather had a scar from the bottom of his chin to the base of his neck.  Eeek!    I looked farther and found several Rusyn men with missing fingers, gnarled hand and several with scars on their forehead.   

Again, go to your public library web site to gain access to Ancestry.com.

Never assume anything!

Binghamton

A couple months back I did a "big dig" who listed Binghamton as their final destination on the ship manifest.   Many of them went to work for the Endicott-Johnson shoe factory, which was around the time, the largest shoe manufacturer in the world.  They were so big that they supplied all the military footwear for the US forces during world war 2.   They had factories in... (drumroll please), the towns of Endicott and Johnson, immediately to the east of Binghamton.  If you go through the US Census and draft registrations, you'll find many listing Endicott or Johnson City as their destinations.

I learned two important things.  First, the Rusyns primarily worked as "Tanners", working in the Tannery, which of course is the process used to create durable leather from hide.  This process involved the use of a lot of nasty chemicals.  Most tanneries were declared toxic waste sites upon abandonment.  I need not tell you this was hazardous.

Second, most of our folks lived/worked there for a short period of time, typically 1-2 years.  Most were single men.  Sometimes there were wives, sisters or children who gained employment there.  My grandmother worked in a cigar factory there before she was married.  Many went back to their homeland, especially before 1914.  Others simply moved on to elsewhere in the northeast U.S.

To conduct your own "big dig", I point you towards both the U.S. and NY State Census, as well as military records.  At war time, our people had to register at the draft board, regardless of their immigration status.  Make sure you review all occupants of each residence.  More than likely these people knew each other, and more often, they were from the same villages.   As I always say, "follow their neighbors, friends and relatives".

I also point you to the recent Hungary Census that Sharon is talking about.   I've reviewed y our villages, you need to have a look at it.  I don't have the link with me at the moment.

p.s., It seems most public libraries have an online subscription to Ancestry.com and it is available for free.   With Coronavirus, most libraries have been beefing up their online offerings.   All the libraries I work with, from Boston to my little old village have their own web site that let's you access the Ancestry.com site.  That is where I got all the census records from and it didn't cost me a dime.  Give your public library a call.

Good luck!