Hi I'm looking for information about the Kowtun(Koltun) family from Sokolowka. My grandparents names were Matwej and Daria (Stefanowa Malovechka) Kowtun. Their childrens names were Anastasia, Hawrillo, and George?. Matwej cameto Canada in 1913 and the others came in 1924. There were uncles, aunts, and cousins left behind. There was never any contact after they came to Canada. Any information would be appreciated. Thank You.

If your village Sokolivka is in the Zhashivskyi raion, the name you are searching for, is more than likely Kowtun, not Koltun.... there are Kowtun in Sokolivka. I will give you the address, and you can write a letter to find family. There are also Kowtun/Kovtun in the neighbouring village of Konel's'ka Popivka.

Address: (family name: Ковтун)

Соколівка село
Жашківський район
Чераська область
Україна 19253
UKRAINE

Thank You for your reply. Yes! this sounds like the right village. From what I've been told Kowtun is a very common name in Ukraine just like Smith in Canada. The spelling Koltun is the way it was changed to when my family came to Canada. I have no knowledge of the Ukrainian language I understand some but cannot read or write any. If I write a letter in English would there be a problem with them understanding? Do I have to address the letter in Ukrainian as shown in your post or can it be written in an English version? Thank You very much for your help maybe I'll be able to find a few more roots. It would be awesome if someone there would have a computer. rdfarms_1

The envelope should be addressed in Ukrainian. The letter could be written in English, and they should have no problem in finding someone to translate it for them. Computers are being used in the cities and towns, but the villages have no internet services. Sokolivka has a population of 1290. You may want to use this google program ... Russian language may be best to use ...
http://translate.google.com/#en|uk|

Using the same address that I previously sent you, send a letter to the following four people; Aleksandr, Mykola, Hryhorii and Vasyl. That way, you may receive a reply.

Ковтун Александр Сергеевич
Ковтун Миколай Максимович
Ковтун Григорий Матвеевич
Ковтун Василий Федорович

Good luck!

Hi I would like to give you an update to the addresses you gave me. I received an email from a 2nd cousin who lives in Uman but who lived in Sokolivka until recently. It turns out there is still family living there. I would like to THANK YOU very much for your help, I really appreciate it. Take care Sincerely, Darlene

Darlene, I am so glad to hear that you received an answer from Ukraine, and you did hope that there would be someone with a computer. It was kind of you to let me know that I was of help. Not all are as thoughtful as you. So excited for you!! Take care.

Hi: Just thought I would let you know I just had an amazing trip to Ukraine, I met relatives I didn't even know I had. Everyone was very warm and generous, even though they don't have much they give with their hearts. They don't ask for anything in return. the only problem was the language barrier, they don't speak English and I speak very little Ukrainian and understand some Ukrainian but we managed.

Oh wow!! So you took a trip to your motherland, good for you!

My first trip to my mom and dad's village (separate villages), I spoke poor Ukrainian. After a few more trips, it improved. And you are so correct; they don't ask for anything in return ... they are hard working, good people!

Thank you for sending me this message. It makes me feel so good that the time I spend on my computer helps some one connect with their family in Ukraine.

Thanks Darlene!
-Sylvia