John was born in Kars, Russia. He is the son of John Fred Poppin (1872-1967) and Hazel Nicholas Seminoff (1887-1968). His parents had eight children: John, Alice, James, Nell, Mary, George, Hazel, Dorothy.
John married Jean Dimitrivna Evanikoff (1913-1995)on 20 May 1934 in San Francisco, CA. They had two children: John and Myrna.
Biographical Sketch written by George John Poppin, brother of John Poppin. Written April 2000 in San Francisco, CA
- John John Poppin -
Once upon a time, a time in the not too distant past , there lived a legend whose name was upheld in pride. For a short while, there seemed to be a prosperous future, until the bubble burst in 1929. That was the year of The Great Economic Depression and Dad lost the huge ranch, truck horses, 100 head of thoroughbred Holstein milk cows, farm equipment and all that went with it. There went John Fred Poppin's dreams of a family, which eventually dispersed into the chasms of "Americanization". That was my father who with Hanya Ivanovna, my mother, saw the ending of a dear and loving family which was always eager to give a helping hand to its brothers and sisters in love and hope, only to fade away into oblivion...gone with the wind into individual families. Each family tried to make the most of it with little or no support from their familial ties.
So it is today, 3 May 2000, that I, George John Poppin, in the eighty-first year of my life, reflect on Dad's family and my brothers and sisters. It is in an attempt to fill in the gaps of a family genealogy by giving a brief description of each member to help my dear daughter, Nancy Ann, complete the enormous task of presenting "The Poppins: A Sketch Of A Proud And Wonderful Family".
The oldest and first newborn to my mother, of whom she was very proud, was my brother John. He was nicknamed "Toledo"; a reason for the name was never discovered by any of his siblings. He was tall, about 6 feet two inches and weighed about 195 pounds. He took after the Seminoff side of my mother's family, for they were all tall in stature. He was a handsome man. He was the one to whom all of us looked up to for he was a kind and gentle man of great physical strength. He rode atop of a plow with eight huge plowshares while "skinning a team" of six powerful truck horses and preparing the soil for the next wheat planting. He married Jean Evanikoff an attractive young lady and to whom were born a son (John John ...a bright and successful attorney-at-law) and a daughter (Myrna Jean, a tall and beautiful young lady). Brother John was with the US Navy Seabee's (that is, CB's for construction battalion) in the European Theater Of Operations during World War II. He died of crushing injuries sustained while conducting the loading and unloading of cargo ships in Truro, Cornwall in southern England. I visited his military grave in Truro while I was stationed in London, England at the time. That was a sad loss to the whole family...John was no longer with us. He was brought home from Truro and is buried in the Russian Molokan Cemetery in Colma, CA.
- - - - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2000 2:29 PM
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Hi Nancy,
Please incorporate nephew John's memory of uncle John in your memoirs.
Thanks. Dad
- - - - - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Cc:
Sent: Sunday, May 07, 2000 3:50 PM
Subject: RE: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Dear Uncle George -
Thank you for sharing your memories of Toledo. I wish I had other than a brief memory of him - sitting on his lap in an apartment on De Haro Street (the block that had red bricks down its center with black asphalt on each side). It was a gray stormy day. I was cuddled in his lap looking out the window into the street. Thunder struck! I had never before heard that sound. I asked him what made the noise. He replied: "Thunder." I imagined that thunder was a great iron wagon wheel rolling down those red bricks in the center of De Haro Street.
Your reminiscence helps fill the gap. I'm sending a copy to Myrna.
I'm pleased that Nancy has the time to get into the genealogy thing "whole hog." It is a worthwhile project.
When will you be ready for another meeting of the Clan?
Stay well and best regards to all.
Nephew John
- - - - - - - - - -
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 3:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
<< Message: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family >>
Dear Nephew John,
Our daughter Nancy is getting me out of retirement to give her a helping
hand with brief "sketches" of individual members of the John Fred Poppin family.
She is going "whole hog"..using scanner, photos, documents, etc. onto a CD.
The forwarded portion of the project may be of interest to you and Myrna Jean .
Love, Uncle George
Letters transcribed from a copy
Written by John J. Poppin to his father John F. Poppin and sister, Nell Payne. The first letter was written on November 11, 1943. John died on December 1, 1943. I typed what I saw in order to preserve John's writing style and his form of spelling. I placed periods where there was a definite end to a sentence.
John J. Poppin
2nd Sec 10th Spec. C.B.
Co D Platt, 4 0/0 Fleet P.O.
New York, N.Y.
To
John F. Poppin
630 Olmstead St
San Francisco, CA
November 11, 1943
Dear Folks,
Dropping you's a few lines to let you's know that I am alright. Excuse me for not writing sooner. Well folks how's everything at home. I hope fine. I haven't received any letter's from you's yet. I might have some mail here. But we have moved elsewhere in the British Isles again. It would take time to catch up with us.
British Isles look about the same to me so far where we've been. I am working right along. We are quit[e] busy.
Folk's I haven't got much to write about. I am wishing you's a Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. I wished I was home with you's. I am getting pretty lonesome for you's. I haven't heard from the family since I left home. And I'm not writing any more to them until I hear from them. Call them up and find out how the children are.
Tell them that daddy said hello and that I am feeling fine. Talk to the kids on the phone. Then let me now how they are. I wish them a happy Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. Hazel & Dorothy. I am wishing you's the same. Tell Ma not to worry about me. I go out at nights here. Its not so bad. Of course we have black outs. You could go to a show or bars and a dance. I don't go to the dances any how. I might go some night at that. Its getting pretty lonesome here. It's a different life. Did you's hear from brother Jim. I haven't heard a thing yet. He might have the wrong address. I hope not. Well folk's. Regards to all of you's Regards to uncle Elmar's family too. Good by & Good luck. Hope to see you's some day.
Your Son
John J Poppin
Another letter dated November 26, 1943
Dear Dad,
Dropping you a few lines to let you know that I am alright. And hope you are the same. I hope mother is feeling better. Tell her hello for me and wish her lots of luck. I am feeling pretty good here.
Well dad, I haven't got very much to say. We are working right along we are quit busy here. Yesterday was thanksgiven day. But we worked just the same. Nothing stops us here. We are at the same place yet. Don't now how long we will be here. I hope not to long.
Well how's every thing at home. I hope fine. Is it hard to get coal or wood. I suppose its pretty cold at home. How is Uncle Elmare's family getting along. Well dad I am going to work in about fifteen min. I am writing this letter in the morning. We are about eight hour's ahead of you's here.
Tell the girls hello for me. I hope there doing alright. I wrote to them a coupl of days ago. If you see Johnny or Myrna Jean tell them hello for me. I sure do miss them a lot. I understand they across the bay living. That's not good dad. I don't think it's a good mother to do that to the children.
But I hope they getting along fine. I am wishing them the best of luck. Well dad I havn't got anything else to say. Hopping to hear from you and to see you some day.
Regards to every body. Good by and good luck.
Your Son
John J. Poppin
The next letter was written by John to his sister, Nell Payne. Part of her address was 488 Wilde Ave. I couldn't see the city.
England, November 28, 1943
Dear Sister Nell
Received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I am feeling fine. And hope you's do the same. You wrote and said that mother is not feeling good. I sure do hate to see mother feel that way. I hope her lots of luck. And about the present, I wrote to sis about that. I think she will do that I hope. Tell mother I think a lot about her and wishing her to feel a lot better by the time this letter will get there. Tell her not to worry about us boy's. I understand Jim was in the hospital for awhile. Its pretty hard when you first start to train. And Jim was in no shape to go in. I went threw the training and it sure was hot when we were training and its tough. I hope he made it alright. I got one letter from him but he did not say that he was in the hospital. Well I hope him lots of luck. He said he wanted to get in the Seabees. But they wouldn't take him. May be he's better of in the Navy. Because the Seabees catch lots of heck and Jim wouldn't like that. We are working right along were doing good. Were in the same place yet. The British Isles are about the same any place we go. Today is Sunday. We worked a half a day a few of us. I think I'm going to a show tonight after I eat. There is not much we could do in town. I seen most of the pictures in the states. I go out at nights quite a bit. Ive met some people and they seem to be nice. So I spend some of time with them. Other wise it would be dead. Nell will you give me Johnny's & Myrna's address. I would like to write to them. I sure do miss them a lot. You said there at the Sunny hills. Well that's a heck of a place for kids. She thinks she's smart by sending kids over there. Well Nell she will pay for all of this. The kids will grow up and it won't be long and she will be sorry. I hope I get home safe. Im sure the kids wont stay there very long if I could help it. Let her and her sister have a good time now. But they will pay for it in a long run. It gets pretty lonesome here. You see the same faces all the time. But I hope it won't be long now.
Nell give Johnny & Myrna my best regards. Write to them all the time. I feel sorry for them Nell. I suppose there getting pretty big. Tell them daddy is feeling fine and will write to them. How are your children. I hope fine. Give regards to them from me. Did you hear from Bill. I hope so if you did write and tell me where he's at if you could. Send him my regard's
Well Sis, I havn't anything else to write about now. Tell Ma not to worry about us. We will be alright. Regard's to all of you's. Wishing you's a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Good by and Good luck. Hope to hear form you.
Your Brother
John J. Poppin
- - - - - - - - - --
I sent the above letters to my father, George John Poppin, brother of John J. Poppin. His response was
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 10:22 AM
Subject: Brother John
Hi Nancy,
Sad moments when reading John's letters. Who gave you the copies of those letters? Was thinking of forwarding them to nephew John Poppin but there are references to his mother, Jean, so I will hold off sending them until I
hear from you. Answer a.s.a.p.. Poor brother John, was lucky if he got a fifth grade education..went to work to help my Dad.
Dad
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 4:48 PM
Subject: attached file "Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
My brother John died on 1 December 1943 at Truro, Cornwall, England as a result of WW2 . I visited his grave in England when I was stationed there. We brought
him home after the war and he is resting in peace at the Russian Sectarian Cemetery in Colma, CA. John was the oldest child of my father's second marriage. My dear mother sent three sons to WW2....what grief for her!!!! Was it really worth having three sons in the service at the same time????
Dad
- - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 2:39 PM
Subject: RE: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Uncle,
No, you had not previously sent these to me. Thank you for doing so. It's really kind of strange to read, for the first time, letters written by my father 57 years ago. I'm sort of numbed by the experience. Thank you,
again. I'll treasure them always.
Nephew John
- - - - - - - - - -
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 11:37 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Nephew,
Daughter Nancy is finalizing the preparation of her Poppin genealogy and wants to include these letters from brother John. She states that she found them in my genealogy folder which I gave her some time ago. I do not know if I had sent them to you. Hope all is well.
- - - - - - - - -
U.S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945
about John John Poppin
Name: John John Poppin
Gender: Male
Race: White
Religion: Protestant
Cemetery Name: California
Disposition: According to next of kin
Service Branch: Navy
Rank: Seaman 1st Class
Service Number: 8866144
John married Jean Dimitrivna Evanikoff (1913-1995)on 20 May 1934 in San Francisco, CA. They had two children: John and Myrna.
Biographical Sketch written by George John Poppin, brother of John Poppin. Written April 2000 in San Francisco, CA
- John John Poppin -
Once upon a time, a time in the not too distant past , there lived a legend whose name was upheld in pride. For a short while, there seemed to be a prosperous future, until the bubble burst in 1929. That was the year of The Great Economic Depression and Dad lost the huge ranch, truck horses, 100 head of thoroughbred Holstein milk cows, farm equipment and all that went with it. There went John Fred Poppin's dreams of a family, which eventually dispersed into the chasms of "Americanization". That was my father who with Hanya Ivanovna, my mother, saw the ending of a dear and loving family which was always eager to give a helping hand to its brothers and sisters in love and hope, only to fade away into oblivion...gone with the wind into individual families. Each family tried to make the most of it with little or no support from their familial ties.
So it is today, 3 May 2000, that I, George John Poppin, in the eighty-first year of my life, reflect on Dad's family and my brothers and sisters. It is in an attempt to fill in the gaps of a family genealogy by giving a brief description of each member to help my dear daughter, Nancy Ann, complete the enormous task of presenting "The Poppins: A Sketch Of A Proud And Wonderful Family".
The oldest and first newborn to my mother, of whom she was very proud, was my brother John. He was nicknamed "Toledo"; a reason for the name was never discovered by any of his siblings. He was tall, about 6 feet two inches and weighed about 195 pounds. He took after the Seminoff side of my mother's family, for they were all tall in stature. He was a handsome man. He was the one to whom all of us looked up to for he was a kind and gentle man of great physical strength. He rode atop of a plow with eight huge plowshares while "skinning a team" of six powerful truck horses and preparing the soil for the next wheat planting. He married Jean Evanikoff an attractive young lady and to whom were born a son (John John ...a bright and successful attorney-at-law) and a daughter (Myrna Jean, a tall and beautiful young lady). Brother John was with the US Navy Seabee's (that is, CB's for construction battalion) in the European Theater Of Operations during World War II. He died of crushing injuries sustained while conducting the loading and unloading of cargo ships in Truro, Cornwall in southern England. I visited his military grave in Truro while I was stationed in London, England at the time. That was a sad loss to the whole family...John was no longer with us. He was brought home from Truro and is buried in the Russian Molokan Cemetery in Colma, CA.
- - - - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2000 2:29 PM
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Hi Nancy,
Please incorporate nephew John's memory of uncle John in your memoirs.
Thanks. Dad
- - - - - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Cc:
Sent: Sunday, May 07, 2000 3:50 PM
Subject: RE: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Dear Uncle George -
Thank you for sharing your memories of Toledo. I wish I had other than a brief memory of him - sitting on his lap in an apartment on De Haro Street (the block that had red bricks down its center with black asphalt on each side). It was a gray stormy day. I was cuddled in his lap looking out the window into the street. Thunder struck! I had never before heard that sound. I asked him what made the noise. He replied: "Thunder." I imagined that thunder was a great iron wagon wheel rolling down those red bricks in the center of De Haro Street.
Your reminiscence helps fill the gap. I'm sending a copy to Myrna.
I'm pleased that Nancy has the time to get into the genealogy thing "whole hog." It is a worthwhile project.
When will you be ready for another meeting of the Clan?
Stay well and best regards to all.
Nephew John
- - - - - - - - - -
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 3:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
<< Message: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family >>
Dear Nephew John,
Our daughter Nancy is getting me out of retirement to give her a helping
hand with brief "sketches" of individual members of the John Fred Poppin family.
She is going "whole hog"..using scanner, photos, documents, etc. onto a CD.
The forwarded portion of the project may be of interest to you and Myrna Jean .
Love, Uncle George
Letters transcribed from a copy
Written by John J. Poppin to his father John F. Poppin and sister, Nell Payne. The first letter was written on November 11, 1943. John died on December 1, 1943. I typed what I saw in order to preserve John's writing style and his form of spelling. I placed periods where there was a definite end to a sentence.
John J. Poppin
2nd Sec 10th Spec. C.B.
Co D Platt, 4 0/0 Fleet P.O.
New York, N.Y.
To
John F. Poppin
630 Olmstead St
San Francisco, CA
November 11, 1943
Dear Folks,
Dropping you's a few lines to let you's know that I am alright. Excuse me for not writing sooner. Well folks how's everything at home. I hope fine. I haven't received any letter's from you's yet. I might have some mail here. But we have moved elsewhere in the British Isles again. It would take time to catch up with us.
British Isles look about the same to me so far where we've been. I am working right along. We are quit[e] busy.
Folk's I haven't got much to write about. I am wishing you's a Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. I wished I was home with you's. I am getting pretty lonesome for you's. I haven't heard from the family since I left home. And I'm not writing any more to them until I hear from them. Call them up and find out how the children are.
Tell them that daddy said hello and that I am feeling fine. Talk to the kids on the phone. Then let me now how they are. I wish them a happy Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. Hazel & Dorothy. I am wishing you's the same. Tell Ma not to worry about me. I go out at nights here. Its not so bad. Of course we have black outs. You could go to a show or bars and a dance. I don't go to the dances any how. I might go some night at that. Its getting pretty lonesome here. It's a different life. Did you's hear from brother Jim. I haven't heard a thing yet. He might have the wrong address. I hope not. Well folk's. Regards to all of you's Regards to uncle Elmar's family too. Good by & Good luck. Hope to see you's some day.
Your Son
John J Poppin
Another letter dated November 26, 1943
Dear Dad,
Dropping you a few lines to let you know that I am alright. And hope you are the same. I hope mother is feeling better. Tell her hello for me and wish her lots of luck. I am feeling pretty good here.
Well dad, I haven't got very much to say. We are working right along we are quit busy here. Yesterday was thanksgiven day. But we worked just the same. Nothing stops us here. We are at the same place yet. Don't now how long we will be here. I hope not to long.
Well how's every thing at home. I hope fine. Is it hard to get coal or wood. I suppose its pretty cold at home. How is Uncle Elmare's family getting along. Well dad I am going to work in about fifteen min. I am writing this letter in the morning. We are about eight hour's ahead of you's here.
Tell the girls hello for me. I hope there doing alright. I wrote to them a coupl of days ago. If you see Johnny or Myrna Jean tell them hello for me. I sure do miss them a lot. I understand they across the bay living. That's not good dad. I don't think it's a good mother to do that to the children.
But I hope they getting along fine. I am wishing them the best of luck. Well dad I havn't got anything else to say. Hopping to hear from you and to see you some day.
Regards to every body. Good by and good luck.
Your Son
John J. Poppin
The next letter was written by John to his sister, Nell Payne. Part of her address was 488 Wilde Ave. I couldn't see the city.
England, November 28, 1943
Dear Sister Nell
Received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I am feeling fine. And hope you's do the same. You wrote and said that mother is not feeling good. I sure do hate to see mother feel that way. I hope her lots of luck. And about the present, I wrote to sis about that. I think she will do that I hope. Tell mother I think a lot about her and wishing her to feel a lot better by the time this letter will get there. Tell her not to worry about us boy's. I understand Jim was in the hospital for awhile. Its pretty hard when you first start to train. And Jim was in no shape to go in. I went threw the training and it sure was hot when we were training and its tough. I hope he made it alright. I got one letter from him but he did not say that he was in the hospital. Well I hope him lots of luck. He said he wanted to get in the Seabees. But they wouldn't take him. May be he's better of in the Navy. Because the Seabees catch lots of heck and Jim wouldn't like that. We are working right along were doing good. Were in the same place yet. The British Isles are about the same any place we go. Today is Sunday. We worked a half a day a few of us. I think I'm going to a show tonight after I eat. There is not much we could do in town. I seen most of the pictures in the states. I go out at nights quite a bit. Ive met some people and they seem to be nice. So I spend some of time with them. Other wise it would be dead. Nell will you give me Johnny's & Myrna's address. I would like to write to them. I sure do miss them a lot. You said there at the Sunny hills. Well that's a heck of a place for kids. She thinks she's smart by sending kids over there. Well Nell she will pay for all of this. The kids will grow up and it won't be long and she will be sorry. I hope I get home safe. Im sure the kids wont stay there very long if I could help it. Let her and her sister have a good time now. But they will pay for it in a long run. It gets pretty lonesome here. You see the same faces all the time. But I hope it won't be long now.
Nell give Johnny & Myrna my best regards. Write to them all the time. I feel sorry for them Nell. I suppose there getting pretty big. Tell them daddy is feeling fine and will write to them. How are your children. I hope fine. Give regards to them from me. Did you hear from Bill. I hope so if you did write and tell me where he's at if you could. Send him my regard's
Well Sis, I havn't anything else to write about now. Tell Ma not to worry about us. We will be alright. Regard's to all of you's. Wishing you's a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Good by and Good luck. Hope to hear form you.
Your Brother
John J. Poppin
- - - - - - - - - --
I sent the above letters to my father, George John Poppin, brother of John J. Poppin. His response was
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 10:22 AM
Subject: Brother John
Hi Nancy,
Sad moments when reading John's letters. Who gave you the copies of those letters? Was thinking of forwarding them to nephew John Poppin but there are references to his mother, Jean, so I will hold off sending them until I
hear from you. Answer a.s.a.p.. Poor brother John, was lucky if he got a fifth grade education..went to work to help my Dad.
Dad
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 4:48 PM
Subject: attached file "Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
My brother John died on 1 December 1943 at Truro, Cornwall, England as a result of WW2 . I visited his grave in England when I was stationed there. We brought
him home after the war and he is resting in peace at the Russian Sectarian Cemetery in Colma, CA. John was the oldest child of my father's second marriage. My dear mother sent three sons to WW2....what grief for her!!!! Was it really worth having three sons in the service at the same time????
Dad
- - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 2:39 PM
Subject: RE: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Uncle,
No, you had not previously sent these to me. Thank you for doing so. It's really kind of strange to read, for the first time, letters written by my father 57 years ago. I'm sort of numbed by the experience. Thank you,
again. I'll treasure them always.
Nephew John
- - - - - - - - - -
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 11:37 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Nephew,
Daughter Nancy is finalizing the preparation of her Poppin genealogy and wants to include these letters from brother John. She states that she found them in my genealogy folder which I gave her some time ago. I do not know if I had sent them to you. Hope all is well.
- - - - - - - - -
U.S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945
about John John Poppin
Name: John John Poppin
Gender: Male
Race: White
Religion: Protestant
Cemetery Name: California
Disposition: According to next of kin
Service Branch: Navy
Rank: Seaman 1st Class
Service Number: 8866144
John was born in Kars, Russia. He is the son of John Fred Poppin (1872-1967) and Hazel Nicholas Seminoff (1887-1968). His parents had eight children: John, Alice, James, Nell, Mary, George, Hazel, Dorothy.
John married Jean Dimitrivna Evanikoff (1913-1995)on 20 May 1934 in San Francisco, CA. They had two children: John and Myrna.
Biographical Sketch written by George John Poppin, brother of John Poppin. Written April 2000 in San Francisco, CA
- John John Poppin -
Once upon a time, a time in the not too distant past , there lived a legend whose name was upheld in pride. For a short while, there seemed to be a prosperous future, until the bubble burst in 1929. That was the year of The Great Economic Depression and Dad lost the huge ranch, truck horses, 100 head of thoroughbred Holstein milk cows, farm equipment and all that went with it. There went John Fred Poppin's dreams of a family, which eventually dispersed into the chasms of "Americanization". That was my father who with Hanya Ivanovna, my mother, saw the ending of a dear and loving family which was always eager to give a helping hand to its brothers and sisters in love and hope, only to fade away into oblivion...gone with the wind into individual families. Each family tried to make the most of it with little or no support from their familial ties.
So it is today, 3 May 2000, that I, George John Poppin, in the eighty-first year of my life, reflect on Dad's family and my brothers and sisters. It is in an attempt to fill in the gaps of a family genealogy by giving a brief description of each member to help my dear daughter, Nancy Ann, complete the enormous task of presenting "The Poppins: A Sketch Of A Proud And Wonderful Family".
The oldest and first newborn to my mother, of whom she was very proud, was my brother John. He was nicknamed "Toledo"; a reason for the name was never discovered by any of his siblings. He was tall, about 6 feet two inches and weighed about 195 pounds. He took after the Seminoff side of my mother's family, for they were all tall in stature. He was a handsome man. He was the one to whom all of us looked up to for he was a kind and gentle man of great physical strength. He rode atop of a plow with eight huge plowshares while "skinning a team" of six powerful truck horses and preparing the soil for the next wheat planting. He married Jean Evanikoff an attractive young lady and to whom were born a son (John John ...a bright and successful attorney-at-law) and a daughter (Myrna Jean, a tall and beautiful young lady). Brother John was with the US Navy Seabee's (that is, CB's for construction battalion) in the European Theater Of Operations during World War II. He died of crushing injuries sustained while conducting the loading and unloading of cargo ships in Truro, Cornwall in southern England. I visited his military grave in Truro while I was stationed in London, England at the time. That was a sad loss to the whole family...John was no longer with us. He was brought home from Truro and is buried in the Russian Molokan Cemetery in Colma, CA.
- - - - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2000 2:29 PM
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Hi Nancy,
Please incorporate nephew John's memory of uncle John in your memoirs.
Thanks. Dad
- - - - - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Cc:
Sent: Sunday, May 07, 2000 3:50 PM
Subject: RE: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Dear Uncle George -
Thank you for sharing your memories of Toledo. I wish I had other than a brief memory of him - sitting on his lap in an apartment on De Haro Street (the block that had red bricks down its center with black asphalt on each side). It was a gray stormy day. I was cuddled in his lap looking out the window into the street. Thunder struck! I had never before heard that sound. I asked him what made the noise. He replied: "Thunder." I imagined that thunder was a great iron wagon wheel rolling down those red bricks in the center of De Haro Street.
Your reminiscence helps fill the gap. I'm sending a copy to Myrna.
I'm pleased that Nancy has the time to get into the genealogy thing "whole hog." It is a worthwhile project.
When will you be ready for another meeting of the Clan?
Stay well and best regards to all.
Nephew John
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-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 3:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
<< Message: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family >>
Dear Nephew John,
Our daughter Nancy is getting me out of retirement to give her a helping
hand with brief "sketches" of individual members of the John Fred Poppin family.
She is going "whole hog"..using scanner, photos, documents, etc. onto a CD.
The forwarded portion of the project may be of interest to you and Myrna Jean .
Love, Uncle George
Letters transcribed from a copy
Written by John J. Poppin to his father John F. Poppin and sister, Nell Payne. The first letter was written on November 11, 1943. John died on December 1, 1943. I typed what I saw in order to preserve John's writing style and his form of spelling. I placed periods where there was a definite end to a sentence.
John J. Poppin
2nd Sec 10th Spec. C.B.
Co D Platt, 4 0/0 Fleet P.O.
New York, N.Y.
To
John F. Poppin
630 Olmstead St
San Francisco, CA
November 11, 1943
Dear Folks,
Dropping you's a few lines to let you's know that I am alright. Excuse me for not writing sooner. Well folks how's everything at home. I hope fine. I haven't received any letter's from you's yet. I might have some mail here. But we have moved elsewhere in the British Isles again. It would take time to catch up with us.
British Isles look about the same to me so far where we've been. I am working right along. We are quit[e] busy.
Folk's I haven't got much to write about. I am wishing you's a Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. I wished I was home with you's. I am getting pretty lonesome for you's. I haven't heard from the family since I left home. And I'm not writing any more to them until I hear from them. Call them up and find out how the children are.
Tell them that daddy said hello and that I am feeling fine. Talk to the kids on the phone. Then let me now how they are. I wish them a happy Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. Hazel & Dorothy. I am wishing you's the same. Tell Ma not to worry about me. I go out at nights here. Its not so bad. Of course we have black outs. You could go to a show or bars and a dance. I don't go to the dances any how. I might go some night at that. Its getting pretty lonesome here. It's a different life. Did you's hear from brother Jim. I haven't heard a thing yet. He might have the wrong address. I hope not. Well folk's. Regards to all of you's Regards to uncle Elmar's family too. Good by & Good luck. Hope to see you's some day.
Your Son
John J Poppin
Another letter dated November 26, 1943
Dear Dad,
Dropping you a few lines to let you know that I am alright. And hope you are the same. I hope mother is feeling better. Tell her hello for me and wish her lots of luck. I am feeling pretty good here.
Well dad, I haven't got very much to say. We are working right along we are quit busy here. Yesterday was thanksgiven day. But we worked just the same. Nothing stops us here. We are at the same place yet. Don't now how long we will be here. I hope not to long.
Well how's every thing at home. I hope fine. Is it hard to get coal or wood. I suppose its pretty cold at home. How is Uncle Elmare's family getting along. Well dad I am going to work in about fifteen min. I am writing this letter in the morning. We are about eight hour's ahead of you's here.
Tell the girls hello for me. I hope there doing alright. I wrote to them a coupl of days ago. If you see Johnny or Myrna Jean tell them hello for me. I sure do miss them a lot. I understand they across the bay living. That's not good dad. I don't think it's a good mother to do that to the children.
But I hope they getting along fine. I am wishing them the best of luck. Well dad I havn't got anything else to say. Hopping to hear from you and to see you some day.
Regards to every body. Good by and good luck.
Your Son
John J. Poppin
The next letter was written by John to his sister, Nell Payne. Part of her address was 488 Wilde Ave. I couldn't see the city.
England, November 28, 1943
Dear Sister Nell
Received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I am feeling fine. And hope you's do the same. You wrote and said that mother is not feeling good. I sure do hate to see mother feel that way. I hope her lots of luck. And about the present, I wrote to sis about that. I think she will do that I hope. Tell mother I think a lot about her and wishing her to feel a lot better by the time this letter will get there. Tell her not to worry about us boy's. I understand Jim was in the hospital for awhile. Its pretty hard when you first start to train. And Jim was in no shape to go in. I went threw the training and it sure was hot when we were training and its tough. I hope he made it alright. I got one letter from him but he did not say that he was in the hospital. Well I hope him lots of luck. He said he wanted to get in the Seabees. But they wouldn't take him. May be he's better of in the Navy. Because the Seabees catch lots of heck and Jim wouldn't like that. We are working right along were doing good. Were in the same place yet. The British Isles are about the same any place we go. Today is Sunday. We worked a half a day a few of us. I think I'm going to a show tonight after I eat. There is not much we could do in town. I seen most of the pictures in the states. I go out at nights quite a bit. Ive met some people and they seem to be nice. So I spend some of time with them. Other wise it would be dead. Nell will you give me Johnny's & Myrna's address. I would like to write to them. I sure do miss them a lot. You said there at the Sunny hills. Well that's a heck of a place for kids. She thinks she's smart by sending kids over there. Well Nell she will pay for all of this. The kids will grow up and it won't be long and she will be sorry. I hope I get home safe. Im sure the kids wont stay there very long if I could help it. Let her and her sister have a good time now. But they will pay for it in a long run. It gets pretty lonesome here. You see the same faces all the time. But I hope it won't be long now.
Nell give Johnny & Myrna my best regards. Write to them all the time. I feel sorry for them Nell. I suppose there getting pretty big. Tell them daddy is feeling fine and will write to them. How are your children. I hope fine. Give regards to them from me. Did you hear from Bill. I hope so if you did write and tell me where he's at if you could. Send him my regard's
Well Sis, I havn't anything else to write about now. Tell Ma not to worry about us. We will be alright. Regard's to all of you's. Wishing you's a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Good by and Good luck. Hope to hear form you.
Your Brother
John J. Poppin
- - - - - - - - - --
I sent the above letters to my father, George John Poppin, brother of John J. Poppin. His response was
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 10:22 AM
Subject: Brother John
Hi Nancy,
Sad moments when reading John's letters. Who gave you the copies of those letters? Was thinking of forwarding them to nephew John Poppin but there are references to his mother, Jean, so I will hold off sending them until I
hear from you. Answer a.s.a.p.. Poor brother John, was lucky if he got a fifth grade education..went to work to help my Dad.
Dad
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 4:48 PM
Subject: attached file "Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
My brother John died on 1 December 1943 at Truro, Cornwall, England as a result of WW2 . I visited his grave in England when I was stationed there. We brought
him home after the war and he is resting in peace at the Russian Sectarian Cemetery in Colma, CA. John was the oldest child of my father's second marriage. My dear mother sent three sons to WW2....what grief for her!!!! Was it really worth having three sons in the service at the same time????
Dad
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----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 2:39 PM
Subject: RE: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Uncle,
No, you had not previously sent these to me. Thank you for doing so. It's really kind of strange to read, for the first time, letters written by my father 57 years ago. I'm sort of numbed by the experience. Thank you,
again. I'll treasure them always.
Nephew John
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-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 11:37 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Nephew,
Daughter Nancy is finalizing the preparation of her Poppin genealogy and wants to include these letters from brother John. She states that she found them in my genealogy folder which I gave her some time ago. I do not know if I had sent them to you. Hope all is well.
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U.S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945
about John John Poppin
Name: John John Poppin
Gender: Male
Race: White
Religion: Protestant
Cemetery Name: California
Disposition: According to next of kin
Service Branch: Navy
Rank: Seaman 1st Class
Service Number: 8866144
John married Jean Dimitrivna Evanikoff (1913-1995)on 20 May 1934 in San Francisco, CA. They had two children: John and Myrna.
Biographical Sketch written by George John Poppin, brother of John Poppin. Written April 2000 in San Francisco, CA
- John John Poppin -
Once upon a time, a time in the not too distant past , there lived a legend whose name was upheld in pride. For a short while, there seemed to be a prosperous future, until the bubble burst in 1929. That was the year of The Great Economic Depression and Dad lost the huge ranch, truck horses, 100 head of thoroughbred Holstein milk cows, farm equipment and all that went with it. There went John Fred Poppin's dreams of a family, which eventually dispersed into the chasms of "Americanization". That was my father who with Hanya Ivanovna, my mother, saw the ending of a dear and loving family which was always eager to give a helping hand to its brothers and sisters in love and hope, only to fade away into oblivion...gone with the wind into individual families. Each family tried to make the most of it with little or no support from their familial ties.
So it is today, 3 May 2000, that I, George John Poppin, in the eighty-first year of my life, reflect on Dad's family and my brothers and sisters. It is in an attempt to fill in the gaps of a family genealogy by giving a brief description of each member to help my dear daughter, Nancy Ann, complete the enormous task of presenting "The Poppins: A Sketch Of A Proud And Wonderful Family".
The oldest and first newborn to my mother, of whom she was very proud, was my brother John. He was nicknamed "Toledo"; a reason for the name was never discovered by any of his siblings. He was tall, about 6 feet two inches and weighed about 195 pounds. He took after the Seminoff side of my mother's family, for they were all tall in stature. He was a handsome man. He was the one to whom all of us looked up to for he was a kind and gentle man of great physical strength. He rode atop of a plow with eight huge plowshares while "skinning a team" of six powerful truck horses and preparing the soil for the next wheat planting. He married Jean Evanikoff an attractive young lady and to whom were born a son (John John ...a bright and successful attorney-at-law) and a daughter (Myrna Jean, a tall and beautiful young lady). Brother John was with the US Navy Seabee's (that is, CB's for construction battalion) in the European Theater Of Operations during World War II. He died of crushing injuries sustained while conducting the loading and unloading of cargo ships in Truro, Cornwall in southern England. I visited his military grave in Truro while I was stationed in London, England at the time. That was a sad loss to the whole family...John was no longer with us. He was brought home from Truro and is buried in the Russian Molokan Cemetery in Colma, CA.
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----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2000 2:29 PM
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Hi Nancy,
Please incorporate nephew John's memory of uncle John in your memoirs.
Thanks. Dad
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----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Cc:
Sent: Sunday, May 07, 2000 3:50 PM
Subject: RE: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
Dear Uncle George -
Thank you for sharing your memories of Toledo. I wish I had other than a brief memory of him - sitting on his lap in an apartment on De Haro Street (the block that had red bricks down its center with black asphalt on each side). It was a gray stormy day. I was cuddled in his lap looking out the window into the street. Thunder struck! I had never before heard that sound. I asked him what made the noise. He replied: "Thunder." I imagined that thunder was a great iron wagon wheel rolling down those red bricks in the center of De Haro Street.
Your reminiscence helps fill the gap. I'm sending a copy to Myrna.
I'm pleased that Nancy has the time to get into the genealogy thing "whole hog." It is a worthwhile project.
When will you be ready for another meeting of the Clan?
Stay well and best regards to all.
Nephew John
- - - - - - - - - -
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2000 3:56 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family
<< Message: Reminiscences Of The John Fred Poppin Family >>
Dear Nephew John,
Our daughter Nancy is getting me out of retirement to give her a helping
hand with brief "sketches" of individual members of the John Fred Poppin family.
She is going "whole hog"..using scanner, photos, documents, etc. onto a CD.
The forwarded portion of the project may be of interest to you and Myrna Jean .
Love, Uncle George
Letters transcribed from a copy
Written by John J. Poppin to his father John F. Poppin and sister, Nell Payne. The first letter was written on November 11, 1943. John died on December 1, 1943. I typed what I saw in order to preserve John's writing style and his form of spelling. I placed periods where there was a definite end to a sentence.
John J. Poppin
2nd Sec 10th Spec. C.B.
Co D Platt, 4 0/0 Fleet P.O.
New York, N.Y.
To
John F. Poppin
630 Olmstead St
San Francisco, CA
November 11, 1943
Dear Folks,
Dropping you's a few lines to let you's know that I am alright. Excuse me for not writing sooner. Well folks how's everything at home. I hope fine. I haven't received any letter's from you's yet. I might have some mail here. But we have moved elsewhere in the British Isles again. It would take time to catch up with us.
British Isles look about the same to me so far where we've been. I am working right along. We are quit[e] busy.
Folk's I haven't got much to write about. I am wishing you's a Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. I wished I was home with you's. I am getting pretty lonesome for you's. I haven't heard from the family since I left home. And I'm not writing any more to them until I hear from them. Call them up and find out how the children are.
Tell them that daddy said hello and that I am feeling fine. Talk to the kids on the phone. Then let me now how they are. I wish them a happy Merry Xmas and a happy New Year. Hazel & Dorothy. I am wishing you's the same. Tell Ma not to worry about me. I go out at nights here. Its not so bad. Of course we have black outs. You could go to a show or bars and a dance. I don't go to the dances any how. I might go some night at that. Its getting pretty lonesome here. It's a different life. Did you's hear from brother Jim. I haven't heard a thing yet. He might have the wrong address. I hope not. Well folk's. Regards to all of you's Regards to uncle Elmar's family too. Good by & Good luck. Hope to see you's some day.
Your Son
John J Poppin
Another letter dated November 26, 1943
Dear Dad,
Dropping you a few lines to let you know that I am alright. And hope you are the same. I hope mother is feeling better. Tell her hello for me and wish her lots of luck. I am feeling pretty good here.
Well dad, I haven't got very much to say. We are working right along we are quit busy here. Yesterday was thanksgiven day. But we worked just the same. Nothing stops us here. We are at the same place yet. Don't now how long we will be here. I hope not to long.
Well how's every thing at home. I hope fine. Is it hard to get coal or wood. I suppose its pretty cold at home. How is Uncle Elmare's family getting along. Well dad I am going to work in about fifteen min. I am writing this letter in the morning. We are about eight hour's ahead of you's here.
Tell the girls hello for me. I hope there doing alright. I wrote to them a coupl of days ago. If you see Johnny or Myrna Jean tell them hello for me. I sure do miss them a lot. I understand they across the bay living. That's not good dad. I don't think it's a good mother to do that to the children.
But I hope they getting along fine. I am wishing them the best of luck. Well dad I havn't got anything else to say. Hopping to hear from you and to see you some day.
Regards to every body. Good by and good luck.
Your Son
John J. Poppin
The next letter was written by John to his sister, Nell Payne. Part of her address was 488 Wilde Ave. I couldn't see the city.
England, November 28, 1943
Dear Sister Nell
Received your letter and was glad to hear from you. I am feeling fine. And hope you's do the same. You wrote and said that mother is not feeling good. I sure do hate to see mother feel that way. I hope her lots of luck. And about the present, I wrote to sis about that. I think she will do that I hope. Tell mother I think a lot about her and wishing her to feel a lot better by the time this letter will get there. Tell her not to worry about us boy's. I understand Jim was in the hospital for awhile. Its pretty hard when you first start to train. And Jim was in no shape to go in. I went threw the training and it sure was hot when we were training and its tough. I hope he made it alright. I got one letter from him but he did not say that he was in the hospital. Well I hope him lots of luck. He said he wanted to get in the Seabees. But they wouldn't take him. May be he's better of in the Navy. Because the Seabees catch lots of heck and Jim wouldn't like that. We are working right along were doing good. Were in the same place yet. The British Isles are about the same any place we go. Today is Sunday. We worked a half a day a few of us. I think I'm going to a show tonight after I eat. There is not much we could do in town. I seen most of the pictures in the states. I go out at nights quite a bit. Ive met some people and they seem to be nice. So I spend some of time with them. Other wise it would be dead. Nell will you give me Johnny's & Myrna's address. I would like to write to them. I sure do miss them a lot. You said there at the Sunny hills. Well that's a heck of a place for kids. She thinks she's smart by sending kids over there. Well Nell she will pay for all of this. The kids will grow up and it won't be long and she will be sorry. I hope I get home safe. Im sure the kids wont stay there very long if I could help it. Let her and her sister have a good time now. But they will pay for it in a long run. It gets pretty lonesome here. You see the same faces all the time. But I hope it won't be long now.
Nell give Johnny & Myrna my best regards. Write to them all the time. I feel sorry for them Nell. I suppose there getting pretty big. Tell them daddy is feeling fine and will write to them. How are your children. I hope fine. Give regards to them from me. Did you hear from Bill. I hope so if you did write and tell me where he's at if you could. Send him my regard's
Well Sis, I havn't anything else to write about now. Tell Ma not to worry about us. We will be alright. Regard's to all of you's. Wishing you's a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Good by and Good luck. Hope to hear form you.
Your Brother
John J. Poppin
- - - - - - - - - --
I sent the above letters to my father, George John Poppin, brother of John J. Poppin. His response was
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 10:22 AM
Subject: Brother John
Hi Nancy,
Sad moments when reading John's letters. Who gave you the copies of those letters? Was thinking of forwarding them to nephew John Poppin but there are references to his mother, Jean, so I will hold off sending them until I
hear from you. Answer a.s.a.p.. Poor brother John, was lucky if he got a fifth grade education..went to work to help my Dad.
Dad
----- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 4:48 PM
Subject: attached file "Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
My brother John died on 1 December 1943 at Truro, Cornwall, England as a result of WW2 . I visited his grave in England when I was stationed there. We brought
him home after the war and he is resting in peace at the Russian Sectarian Cemetery in Colma, CA. John was the oldest child of my father's second marriage. My dear mother sent three sons to WW2....what grief for her!!!! Was it really worth having three sons in the service at the same time????
Dad
- - - - - - - - -
----- Original Message -----
From: John Poppin
To:
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 2:39 PM
Subject: RE: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Uncle,
No, you had not previously sent these to me. Thank you for doing so. It's really kind of strange to read, for the first time, letters written by my father 57 years ago. I'm sort of numbed by the experience. Thank you,
again. I'll treasure them always.
Nephew John
- - - - - - - - - -
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 11:37 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Attached file..".Letters transcribed from John J Poppin.doc"
Dear Nephew,
Daughter Nancy is finalizing the preparation of her Poppin genealogy and wants to include these letters from brother John. She states that she found them in my genealogy folder which I gave her some time ago. I do not know if I had sent them to you. Hope all is well.
- - - - - - - - -
U.S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945
about John John Poppin
Name: John John Poppin
Gender: Male
Race: White
Religion: Protestant
Cemetery Name: California
Disposition: According to next of kin
Service Branch: Navy
Rank: Seaman 1st Class
Service Number: 8866144
Inscription
In Russian
Gravesite Details
Cameo on stone
Family Members
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