John Jacob Wiinikka by Kevin D Warren

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John Jacob Wiinikka

Great-grandfather John Jacob Wiinikka (left) from Kauhava, Finland.
He is wearing a Russian military uniform. I'd place this somewhere around 1880-1900.
Family history holds that he left Finland due to the intensifying Russification policies under Alexander III.
I'm not sure who added the "Gramps Wiinikka" freehand note at the bottom, thought about editing it out but decided to leave it - it's part of the photo history now.

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All images © Kevin D Warren unless otherwise stated

Kaj E		28-Mar-2020 22:26
As a born Finn and first generation American i can tell you that the Kauhava guys had a tough reputation. No wonder your great gramp decided to join the Russian Army (it was not required by any Finn because Finland was an Independent Grand Duchy, with own laws) when it belonged to the Russian Empire. There is a well known story in Finland about a Kauhava guy who was treated by a doctor for deep knife wounds to his stomach with blood streaming all over. The doctor asked if it hurt. The Kauhava hero replied: Only when I laugh.

Benjamin Stark		30-May-2019 01:51
I think it was Sally who added the note. Too bad she didn't also add the date.

Pentti Kyyronen		27-May-2019 10:43
A Wonderful nostaltic image. I thought already before i saw the title that Wiinikka name might lead to Finland. BV

bill friedlander		25-May-2019 19:40
A nostalgic look back to the family history.

Neil Marcus		21-May-2019 12:26
This is a wonderful family treasure. Thank you for sharing it Kevin.

larose forest photos		21-May-2019 01:16
It is so great to have these old family shots. What a treasure, and fascinating for the rest of us to see this glimpse into the past.

Nirvan Hope		20-May-2019 17:55
How wonderful to have family photos that reach back that far!

Tom LeRoy		19-May-2019 16:52
That's a real historical photo, great to have and enjoy! V

janescottcumming		19-May-2019 16:07
Wow, what a neat old photo to have. I think you're right to leave the freehand note.

pkocinski		19-May-2019 11:04
Fantastic family history to have.

Ursula Miller		19-May-2019 06:32
It’s great to have such family treasures...! V

Helen Betts		19-May-2019 05:30
Definitely an interesting piece of history, in particular that he's a Finn but in the Russian military.

joseantonio		19-May-2019 04:17
it´s incredible to have a picture from so long ago.V.