Shared Photo: The Charmer, My Grandfather, Ian Metchnikoff as a boy

Question

This is my Grandfather Ian Ivan Metchnikoff who migrated to California when he was 5-years-old in 1908. To get him out of Russia his parents had to sneak him out dressed as a little girl. This photo was taken I'm guessing when he was about 10-years-old.

I wanted to share this family photo of Ian Metchnikoff with the community. Location: Los Angeles, CA. Date: 1913.

Click here for the image details page or here for the full-sized version (991 x 1401).

Comments

What and amazing story, I wonder what the boy though, do be dress all up as a girl. But he must have had a whole new life in California. And he is your grandfather how great.

What a great looking boy and the story. I like to thank you for sharing

---

My mom said he knew it was the only way for him to leave with his family

---

It was so difficult in the old time, and so young a boy. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you had meet him. Instead he died when your mother was only 15 years old, thank you for for sharing the story

---

Thank you for your kind comments.

---

How wonderful! I love the attitude. You can tell that this guy was a survivor and was going to make things happen!

Thanks for sharing.

Answer 1

What a great photo! It's wonderful that you have it, and the story that goes with it. Our lives sometimes seem so tame compared to what our ancestors went through. And many of the children survived so much! Thank you for sharing this.

Comments

Thank you, Susan, for choosing my answer as the best. That's how I feel about you!

Answer 2

Isn't it a treasure to have these old photos.

Comments

Yes it truly is. I love them. These are especially neat for me because he died when my mom was 15, 15 years before i was born.

Answer 3

This is a great photograph. First of all it is Grandpa. So it has to be great. Second he was a kid that knew how to pose for a picture. Third If he only knew that the picture could be shown around the world in seconds. And last, If pictures can talk. I bet he could be telling you a lot of good info for genealogy. Thanks for sharing Grandpa's youth with us.

Comments

Thank you. And yes you are correct. Unfortunately he was a great man i never got to meet. My mom found him on Christmas Day in his yard and he has passed away. She was only 15 and Grandpa was everything to her

Answer 4

Wonderful story and wonderful photo !!  Thank you so much for sharing this delightful young man with us.