Hello Hanya

I remember your father and his family well as my folks visited often with your grandparents when I was child in LA. We moved to Strathmore CA in 1950 and although I saw your grandfather a few times after that at family church functions, I rarely saw your dad.

In 1973, I migrated with my young family to Australia and completely lost much chance of contact. In 2001when I was in LA for my daughters wedding shower your father was there. I recognized him immediately after all those years as he resembled your grandfather.

I could see he wanted to talk and I wondered if he came especially to see me and I felt bad that I couldn’t pay much personal attention for some time as I was busy. Then when I did finally sit down at the table, I made sure we sat together and we had a warm reunion. I was really pleased to see him again too.

So yes we are cousins, more than once. And my grandfather was not your grandfathers brother but they were 2nd cousins.


Peter A. married Hanya Sokolova, my grandfathers’ niece who lived with his family after her father died during the flu epidemic in about 1918. So that coupled with my father being a 1st cousin meant our families had some strong ties during the years.

Your grandfather was born Petro Andreievich Sokoloff but changed his name to Peter Andrew Wren when my father Alex Fred Wren convinced him to resume the family identity. I say this because I specifically asked my almost 95 years old father why Peter A. changed back to Wren.

Also when you look at this tree you’ll find that my grandfather Wren’s brother had assumed the Sokoloff name too, hence his daughter was Hanya Sokolova.

Your Grandfathers Family
First Generation
Andrei Evanovich Wren Brothers Evan Evanovich Wren

Second generation
Andrei Andreievich Sokoloff 1st cousin Feodor Evanovich Wren

Third generation
Peter Andrew Wren 2nd Cousin Alexai Fyodorich Sokoloff

Fourth Generation
3rd cousin Hanya Alexevna Sokolova

Fifth generation
Peter Peter Wren 4th cousin Peter Peter Wren

Sixth Generation
Hanya Wren Townes 5th cousin Hanya Wren Townes



Your Grandmothers Family
First Generation
Alexai Fyodorich Sokoloff Brothers Fydor Fyodorich Wren

Second generation
Hanya Alexevna Sokolova 1st cousin Alex Fred Wren

Third generation
Peter Peter Wren 2nd cousin Fred Alex Wren

Fourth Generation
Hanya Wren Townes 3rd cousin Fred Alex Wren's children

Hanya, as I looked into the family history it became clear to me why your grandfather helped with all the church food preparations when my grandfather died in 1961. Not only was Peter A his cousin he also was a nephew by marriage. These close links I never really understood before either so I’m glad you asked me about the family.

I asked my father if he knew any of your grandfathers’ siblings and he said he had brothers but he did not remember them. I’ve also wondered how I was related to some of the other Sokoloff’s and would like a copy of your tree if you wish to share.

My email is fred@wrenoil.com.au.

Kind regards

Your cousin
Fred Alex Wren