FYI, I was intrigued to come across the name of a Molokan, William Halopoff, who enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Forces (army) in World War One.

William Halopoff was born in Erevan province, Caucasus region, Russia on March 27, 1886. His father is unknown, however, his mother's name is listed as Elena. While in Russia, William (Vasily) had spent five years serving in the Russian calvary. William immigrated to the USA, settling in Hartline, Washington. At the time of his enlistment, William was a widower, and was working as a labourer in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.

A copy of his attestation (enlistment) papers, along with a full physical description, may be found on the Library and Archives Website - Soldiers of the First World War database at:

http://data4.collectionscanada.ca/netacgi/nph-brs?s1=halopof...

To the best of my knowledge, this is the only known instance of a Molokan having served in the Canadian army.

Very good Jon;
This "Vassily" was very possibly the Son of Ivan Kire'vich HALOPOV (1859–1911) & Elaina Ivanovna Grigorii AGALSOFF (1845-1932)
Which is very interesting because..,
"seeking a permanent solution to the question of compulsory military service, efforts which in the winter of 1900 culminated in a decision to petition the Tsar's government for a release from the obligation of military service. Four elders were selected to personally present the petition in St. Petersburg. Philip M. Shubin and Ivan G. Samarin were selected from the region of Kars and Simon T. Shubin and Ivan K. Holopoff were chosen to represent the region of Erevan." (from the book:, 'Molokans In America' by John K. Berokoff)
Also from the book is: “Vassily Ivanovich Holopoff and three Agalsoffs performed early exploratory missions in Canada & California for the Molokans living in Armenia/Turkey in 1900.” I have it that Vassily was also married to an AGALSOFF.

George

George,

This is very interesting indeed! Perhaps through Washington death records, or other death records, it can further confirmed that this William Halopoff and Vasily Ivanovich Kholopov/Holopoff are one and the same people. His military service, along with the Canadian connection, would pose some interesting historical questions. Please let me know if you come across any additional information.

Best Regards,

Jon

Hello Jon.
My name is Billy Holopoff.
I believe I sent you a note awhile back in regatrds to William Halopoff.
The William Halopoff refered to iwas a great uncle of mine.
His father was my great grandfather.
My father was William Moses Holopoff, my grandfather Moisey Ivanovich Ho(a)lopoff.
Just wanted to write something on this anyway.
Billy Holopoff
Florence, Oregon

Hi Billy,

Thanks for the note! As I understand, as the William Halopoff referred to was a brother to your grandfather, Moisey Ivanovich Ho(a)lopoff. If this is correct, then his original Russian name would have been Vasily Ivanovich Kholopov. Do you know if William/Vasily and Moisey's brother were the sons of Ivan Kire'vich HALOPOV (1859–1911) & Elaina Ivanovna Grigorii AGALSOFF (1845-1932)? According to George Boldroff, this Ivan was one of the advance party sent to North America to look for settlement lands for the Molokans.

Best Regards,

Jon

Do you know if William/Vasily and Moisey's brother were the sons of Ivan Kire'vich HALOPOV (1859–1911) & Elaina Ivanovna Grigorii AGALSOFF (1845-1932)?

In a word, Yes.
George sent me some information on Evon Kireiovich Halopoff.
I can send it to you, but would prefer to send it as a personel note. The file is Microsoft Word, rich test.
My grandfather brough his family to America in 1906 by way of Galveston Texas.
Traveled to Los Angeles and settled in the Russian Flats and Belvedere Gardens area.My parents were both born here in 1909 (father0 and 1911 (mother).

Hi Billy,

By all means, if you would like to send me an email directly at jon.kalmakoff@accesscomm.ca I'd be interested to find out more about the family. Were you aware of the 'Canadian connection' and of your great-uncle having served in the Canadian Forces in WWI?

Best Regards,

Jon

Yes, I was and am aware that he served.
I have a picture of him and three Agalsoffs taken when they ventured to Canada and California looking for work and land.
Thanks for the info.
I will be sending the file shortly with a short note.
Again, thanks for replying.
I find it most interesting looking up information on my family.
Billy

Hi........I found it interesting to try and do a search for William Halopoff in the Canadian and Washington papers. I can use my library card and access the Newspaper Archive.

This is what I found. The article is attached. I'll keep looking. Washington does not have any early death indexes online.

Lists of Dec. 5 and 6

The following mail lists of December 5 and 6 is released this morning:

INFANTRY.
Missing: 442683 William Halopoff, Hartline,,

Manitoba Free Press | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Monday, December 10, 1917 | Page 12

Nancy

I looked in my notes and I had the information transcribed:
Attestation Paper
Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force
Questions to be put before attestation

1. What is your name? William Halopoff
2. In what Town, Township, or Parish, and in what Country were you born? Erivan, Caucasus, Russia
3. What is the name of your next-of-kin? Mrs. Ellen Halopoff (mother)
4. What is the address of your net-of-kion? Hartline, Washinging
5. What is the date of your birth? March 27, 1886
6. What is your trade or calling? Labourer
7. Are you married? Widower.
8. Are you willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated? yes
9. Do you now belong to the Actibve Militia? No
10. Have you ever served in any Military Force? 5 years, Russian Cavalry
11. Do you understand the nature and terms of your engagement? yes
12. Are you willling to abe attested to serve in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force? yes

Description of William Halopoff

Apparent age: 29 years, 3 months

Height: 5'8"
Chest - girth - 37 inches;
Sandy complexion, brown hair and eyes.
Religious denominations: "Brotherhood"

He was considered fit for service
Dated June 23, 1915

Certificate of Officer Commanding Unit
August 25, 1915 - approved and inspected