Looking for Semchenko, Kisilowski

[Simchanders]

I am looking for the origin of the family names Kisilowski and Semchenko. I would like to see if I can find relatives. I know that my Great Grandfather Ivan Semchenko came to Boston Massachusetts USA in the 1920's. Any help appreciated.

[huzyda]

I was told by a Ukrainian Canadian acqaintance whose surname is "Sojonky" that his forbear was not literate when he immigrated to Canada, and the immigration official somehow screwed up the actual name, which was Semchenko, and it thus became 'Sohonky'. The original question to the acquaintance was prompted by the seeming strangeness of "Sojonky' which did not appear to be explainable as a Ukrainian surname.

[Hannia]

In this case, Ivan and Katheryna Semchenko did not exp such a dramatic surname transliteration.

In the yr 2000, time of the post above, there was not a lot of info available on the Internet.
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Ivan Semchenko @age 53 was naturalized May 8, 1944 in the District of MA.

DOB is listed as 7/21/1891. He is listed as residing at 62 Meriam St in Wakefield MA.
Might have had a brother Wasyl, also in same town???

petition # 274809
1531367

Katheryna, Ivan wife, was also naturalized at the same time.

Her DOB 12/29/1898

Petition # 274808
1011257