Interested in learning more about the Hokans family -- originally from Finland. Any information would be appreciated . . . thanks!

Hokans, Hokens

My ancestors came to michigan from sweden via finland and the name was changed from Hokans to Hokens between two brothers in the family. Hokens, Hokans is actually swedish.

My mothers maiden name was Dorothy Hokans. She had 2 sisters, Vivian and Elsa and one brother. I believe his name was Harold. Her mothers name was Hilda and I think her maiden name was Spolander. They lived in upper Michigan. My mother was born around 1920, maybe a few years earlier.
If anyone is familiar with any of these people I would appreciate hearing from you.

David
I noted your message in response to an inquiry from a Frena Hokans. We are from MN and my understanding is that my grandfather emigrated from Finland to the US in the late 1880's. I believe he had a brother, Harold or Henry. I understand that there are a number of Hokans' in Michigan and also in MA.
Chuck

Since I first posted here I've learned more about my husband's Hokans ancestry from members of his family who are doing genealogical research. I have posted what we have learned so far at my genealogical webpage: http://pages.cthome.net/frenabee/id68.htm

I'm not sure how accurate it is as I don't know the sources, but I'm assuming most of the information was obtained at the Genealogical Society of Finland, http://www.genealogia.fi/indexe.htm
at the HisKi Church Records section because I did verify most of the information there.

There is some controvery in the family as to whether my husband's great-grandfather Anders Hendrik Klemets was from Sweden or Finland. His son was Henrik Leander Matson/Håkans, supposedly he took Matson as his name upon arriving in the U.S. with his mother Johanna Karolina Håkans (we don't know where Anders was at that time) and we don't know where he got the name Matson -- but he later changed it to Hokans.

There are a lot of Hokens/Hokans in Northern Michigan. My great-grandfather came to the U.S. in the late 1800's as well and settle there because of the mining. However, I was lead to believe that the reason the imigration from finland occurred was because the ancestors moved from Sweden to finland to avoid either being drafted for the war or they moved becasue of invasion of enemy troops, I think that latter reason was the one that we believed more because my great-grandfather's brother went back to fight in the work against the Russians.

According to the census the children were born in Ill.
In 1930 Waukegan Ill
August Hokans 50, age 21 at marriage immig. 1902 Finland cabinet make in shop
Hilda O. 50, Finland same immig. date as husband
daughter Vivian Karritz? 25 divorced, bookkeepr in laudryborn Ill.
Grandson Raymon A Karritz 7 born Ohio, father born Mass.
mother Ill.
Dorothy 14 born Ill.