Peter Verigin Documents

Peter Verigin Mystery Quest Evidence Package
Suspect Evidence: The Doukhobor Factions
Today, the Doukhobors are known in Canada because of their history of pacifism, which
is based on their Christian principles. The communal economic and social structure that
marked the first 40 years of their time in this country is another of their distinguishing
features. They are often referred to as a community, suggesting that they are one
culture. The axiom that is most closely identified with them is “Toil and peaceful life.”
Examining Doukhobor history, however, reveals that some of these essential
characteristics were relatively recently grafted onto their culture. Rather than one
people, the Doukhobors have long been internally divided. Toil they have and toil they
do. But a peaceful life – either among themselves or in their relations with non-
Doukhobors – has often eluded them. In these tensions we may see clues to the death
of the Doukhobor leader Peter V. Verigin.
The Roman Catholic Church had its Martin Luther, John Calvin and other dissenters who
ushered in the Protestant Reformation early in the 16th century. So, too, in Russia, the
Russian Orthodox Church was challenged by critics. In the 17th century, one group of
them, the “Old Believers,” rejected the elaborate hierarchy of the Orthodox Church and
opted instead for spiritual simplicity. They dismissed the need for the clergy and favored
simple religious rituals.
Leaders associated with what would become Doukhoborism emerged in southern Russia
in the early 18th century. Doukhobors contended that each person had a spark of god
within. This suggested that each person was equal to another. Since each person has a
spark of god, to kill a person was akin to killing god. These dissenters also rejected the
Russian Orthodox Church’s focus on icons, pictorial representations of a religious figure
such as Christ, Mary or a saint. This was a form of idol worship, they argued. Their
rituals were performed in front of more earthly symbols – bread, salt and water. Early
Doukhobor leaders also introduced the idea of a “Living Book” of oral psalms and songs,
to replace the Bible. As a written document, the Bible was seen as untrustworthy,
reflecting Russian peasants’ suspicion of writing, officialdom and formal education.
About 1785 an Orthodox Church archbishop coined the phrase “Dukho-borets” to refer
to those considered to be heretics, meaning that they struggled against the holy spirit.
But the Doukhobors turned this to mean that they were the true “spirit wrestlers” or
holy people.
Since the Russian Orthodox Church was allied with a repressive tsarist political system,
these religious dissenters found that they faced both religious and political persecution.
By the early 19th century, peasants and others who were identified as Doukhobors were
forcibly relocated to territories bordering on the rapidly-expanding Russian empire. Over
the course of the 19th century, Doukhobors were relocated twice, ending in the
mountainous Caucasus region between the Black and Caspian Seas.
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A DOOMED UTOPIA: THE DOUKHOBORS AND THEIR TROUBLES — HOW PETER VEREGIN PLAYS
UPON THE IGNOANCE OF HIS FOLLOWERS
By Mrs. W. Garland Foster.
Although essentially a peace loving people, opposed to all the arts of war, the
Doukhobors, in common with the rest of the world, have felt the restlessness
consequent upon a return to normal conditions. The experiences of these people in
endeavoring to preserve a colony of different ideals apart from the rest of the world
should be of value to those countries that hope to maintain a splendid isolation in the
midst of world problems.
The disintegration of the "Community of Universal Brotherhood" as they call themselves

has been going on for some time, probably ever since they landed in this country,
although many believe that the line of demarkation was not drawn until the war and the
need of greater expansion determined the leaders to organize themselves into a limited
stock company. [...]
During the war the Doukhobors must have had a hard time, and stories have leaked out
of short rations in the community. The production of food for such a large community
was not easy on new land; and public opinion was not too favorable. [...]
During the agitation regarding the soldier settlement of Doukhobor lands, it was pointed
out by the Reconstruction board of Grand Forks that the Doukhobors in that "colony
have 200 children of school age, and although the government maintains a separate
school only 12 pupils, all boys, attend. We believe the Doukhobors are exploiting the
school system for the purpose of upholding their community system, namely to provide
heads for their different departments and not for the education of their children as a
whole." [...]
This school question has become a burning one in more ways than one. It is an
interesting fact that any demonstrations in the "Community of Universal Brotherhood"
generally take place soon after the annual meeting which is always held by the first of
March. In the spring of 1922 there was an attempt at a parade, au naturel which landed
some of the agitators in the Nelson jail. Last year marked the burning of the first school
at Grand Forks, which was shortly followed by three other school fires. Up to this time
the only action taken by the government of B.C. was to summon certain Doukhobors to
appear in court for not complying with the school act. The attitude of the leader Veregin
over the first school burned was peculiar and at the time pointed to some knowledge of
or some sympathy with the crime. He stated that the fines required of the Doukhobors
for failing to comply with the school act would not be willingly paid, and if force was
resorted to all the schools would be closed and he would not guarantee that other
schools would not be burned. He further accused the government of trying to pick a
quarrel, and scored the inspector and teachers for lack of tact, intimating that the
customs of young teachers in walking out till late in the evening with men friends was
setting an undesirable example to the young people of the Doukhobor community. [...]
Probably Veregin was delighted was delighted to have something to distract attention
from what was going on within the colony. During the winter of 1921-1922, following a
report that the Doukhobors might return to Russia, an attempt was made to collect
funds for famine stricken Russia and the refugees. As a result 500 of the community
came out openly and made a protest of some length in a local paper over the signatures
Toporov, Lapatkin, Kortsoff. To feel the thin ice upon which Peter Veregin was skating at
this time one has only to consider the paragraph regarding his position embodied in this
statement, printed just as it was written:
"We, the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, also have people at the head of
our organization — Peter Veregin and others, who invite us to make collection for the
hungered people of Russia and for the escapes across the line, Russian people. Veregin
has got a good life; he always has food and but works little. But we, the group of
majority workingmen more than 500, absolutely protest against collection for hungered
Russian people, because we ourselves are using very restricted food. And if they year
like last one will be repeated, then we are also very close to hunger in Canada.... The
time has come that an English saying is very adaptable: 'Help yourself!'" [...]
The Community [soon after] gave out a statement of the scope of the corporation as
follows: "The main foundation of the creed of this corporation is all working men are
working for the same interest. Commencing from the common working men to the
president, all members receive equal remuneration. Each member is allowed a limited
amount of cash on account of hard times, but every person living in the community is
given a house, food, clothing, etc. In addition the officers' traveling expenses are paid
by the corporation. [...]
The election [of Community officers] for 1924 seems to have been conducted without
much publicity, but in the list of directors, one misses the names of Koftinoff, who has
been replaced as manager at Brilliant, by Larry Veregin; Shervinin, too, who had come
much in contact with the Canadian proletariat and is reputed to have cast the eye of
Omar at the fleshly trappings of the outside world, is not mentioned; Reibin, who used
to be a force in the community following differences of opinion has betaken himself to
California.
Since the annual meeting, however, the fanatics have been busy again, and three more
schools have been added to last year's burnings, and on this occasion, Peter Veregin's
own house at Brilliant was also consumed. Curious thing about his house, that although
furnished with considerable comfort, not to say luxury, and reputed to contain Oriental
rugs of value, the owner is said never to have spent a night there! Curious that the man
of privileges should rest uneasily in a community where the people are so conscientious
that they eat no meat, (except surreptitiously) and when gophers and other rodents
become troublesome catch them and carry them a mile or so away to be released rather
than kill them.
The department of education of B.C. has already announced the rebuilding of the
schools, the cost to be added to Doukhobor taxation. Veregin, himself says the fires are
the work of fanatics and it is conceded by the outside world that this time the fanaticism
has been directed against his own person. [...]
Source: Mrs. W. Garland Foster, "A Doomed Utopia," Saturday Night, June 14, 1924.
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RCMP Note Regarding Testimony At Inquest From Conductor Turner And
Trainman Marquis
At inquest held in Grand Forks on the night of 29th inst. Conductor Turner and Trainman
Marquis both swore that a third person, apparently a Doukhobor or Russian boarded the
train at Brilliant at the same time that Peter Veregin and companion boarded the train,
and this third person got off at Castlegar. This third person was described as a middle-
aged man and fairly well dressed, but that neither one thought they could identify him
again at all.
Larry Veregin asserts that he was at Brilliant that night and was down to the train with
Peter Veregin, that no other member of their community boarded the train. If a third
party did it was unknown to any member of the community.
Source: Library and Archives Canada, Access to Information Act A-2004-00120, RG:18;
Vol. 3306; File 1924-HQ-750-E-1-1, Unknown, RCMP Note Regarding Testimony At
Inquest From Conductor Turner And Trainman Marquis, n.d..
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RCMP REPORT REGARDING SEARCH FOR DAN GREGOR
ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

West Kootenay
Sub-District Office,
Penticton. B.C. November 7th. 1924
Re:- EXPLOSION C.P.R. TRAIN-

FARRON, B.C. B.C. District
Ref.: 24-12 P-3 .
Further to my report of the 1st instant in the above connection; on the morning of Nov.
2nd Sergt. Birch and myself proceeded by train to Brilliant, B.C., where we attended the
funeral of Peter Veregin and made further inquiries with a view of ascertaining the
whereabouts of DAN GRENOR, mentioned in my previous report as being suspected of
being implicated in this explosion; I had previously received information that this man
was likely to be at Veregin's funeral, but careful inquiries failed to locate any trace of
him. There were about 5000 people at this funeral, which added to the difficulty of
tracing this man from the only description available, as follows:-
Name: DAN GRENOR

Age: About 60 years.
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 145 lbs.
Face: Has a Van Dyke beard.
Nationality:Russian.
Occupation: Watchmaker.
Clothes worn when last seen on the evening of October 30th, 1924, when he called for
mail at the Post Office, Castlegar, B.C., — Black mackinaw coat, Black fedora hat.
At present, has no fixed place of abode.
After the funeral we returned, on foot, to Castlegar, where further inquiries were made,
through the medium of an informant who was acquainted with GRENOR, but no trace of
him was found. On the morning of Nov. 3rd. I instructed Sergt. Birch to go to
Bonnington Falls, B.C., where some 400 men are employed by the West Kootenay Power
& Light Co., and make inquiries there for GRENOR, while I continued to make inquiries in
and around Castlegar district, but as no trace of him was found we proceeded to Trail,
B.C., and continued our investigation without success. On our return to Castlegar, the
same night I learned that Asst. Supt. Burns, Of Winnipeg, Man., and Insp. McGowan,
C.P.R. Investigators, and other officials. accompanied by Prov. Police had arrived on a
special train from Nelson, for the purpose of locating DAN GRENOR, our suspect,
however they failed to find any trace of him so they returned to Nelson; as far as I have
been able to ascertain this movement made by the C.P.R. Investigators in proceeding to
Castlegar to locate GRENOR was due to the fact of an interview with Ran Kemenshiloff,
at present under arrest at Nelson, being held for investigation in connection with the
explosion.
While making investigations about GRENOR at Castlegar I was informed that he had
written a letter and registered same, addressed to President Coolidge, Washington. D.C.,
U.S.A., some time the latter part of April, 1924, I ascertained that this was correct, but
unable to get the date of the registration as the Postmaster had destroyed the Register
Book.
Coroner's Inquest held at Nelson, B.C. was commenced at 1 p.m. Nov. 3rd. before Dr.
McKenzie, Coroner, and a Coroner's Jury and was continued until noon of Nov. 4th.,
when an adjournment was taken for the purpose of viewing the scene of the explosion
at Farron, at 9.15 p.m. the Inquest was resumed, at Nelson, more evidence being taken,
but not of a nature that brought forth any new facts on the explosion, an adjournment
was taken at 12.15 p.m. until 11 a.m. of the 5th inst., when the Jury retired and at 12
noon brought in a verdict to the effect that W.J. Armstrong, Neil Murray, Mary Sheloff
and Harry Bishop came to their deaths caused by a high explosive placed by some
person or persons in Car No. 1686. C.P.Rly., on the morning of Oct.29th, 1924, either
accidentally or with criminal intent, with recommendation that the C.P.R. and Provincial
Police make every effort to get to the bottom of the true facts in the case.
I attach the Nelson News reports on the case covering all the evidence taken at the
Inquest at Nelson.
A thorough check was made at all points in the Kootenay District on explosives sold, and
to whom, but nothing of a suspicious character was found. Sergt. Birch on checking up
at Bonnington Falls secured some information which will be reported on by him in a
separate report.
On instructions received from Officer Commanding West Kootenay Sub-District we

returned to Penticton on the morning of the 6th instant.
G.O. Reid Det. S/Sergt.
Reg. No. 6556.
The Officer Commanding,

R.C.M. Police, B.C. District.
Vancouver. B.C.
Sir:- Forwarded. Report of Sergt. Birch forwarded concurrently. Yesterday. the 6th inst.,
S/Sgt. Reid and Sergt. Birch returned on my instructions, if you want me to continue
further active participation, either in co-operation with or independent of the Provincial
Authorities. will you please instruct. I feel that in this event it would be necessary to
have services of a good interpreter to accompany S/ Sergt. Reid as few of the
Doukhobors speak English or are desirous of doing so in the present circumstances.
R.L. Cadiz Insp.

Commanding West Kootenay Sub-District.
Penticton. B.C.
7-11-24.
The Commissioner,
R.C.M.P.. Ottawa.
Sir:
Forwarded. Sgt. Birch's report of even date is attached hereto. I should have mentioned
in my forwarding minute of the 6th instant that Lt. Coronel Leach, Insp. of Explosives,
requested our assistance in this matter. The question of further active participation was
taken up with Lt. Col. Leach this morning on his return to Vancouver, and he decided
that no further action need be taken on behalf of his Department.
I have accordingly instructed the O.C. West Kootenay S/D. not to incur further expense
in connection with this investigation.
Vancouver.R.S. Knight. Supt. Vancouver. B.C.

13-11-24.Commanding B.C.
Source: Library and Archives Canada, , RG:18; Vol. 3306; File 1924-HQ-750-E-1-1,
G.O Reid, R.L. Cadiz, R.S. Knight, RCMP Report Regarding Search For Dan Grenor,
November 7, 1924 — November 13, 1924.
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RCMP REPORT REGARDING EXPLOSION ON C.P.R. TRAIN AT FARRON BC

(COPY)
Re:- EXPLOSION C.P.R. TRAIN FARRON, B.C.
"E" Division
H.Q. Ref. Nil. P.R. 29-10-24West Kootenay Sub-District
Grand Forks, B.C., Nov. 1st, 1924
Acting on instructions received from the Officer Commanding West Kootenay Sub-
District, I left Penticton, B.C. by Police Auto, at 2 pm. of the 29th instant, proceeding to
Oroville, Wash., U.S.A., and on the morning of the 30th instant I proceeded by G.N.Ry.
to Grand Forks, B.C., arriving there at 11 p.m., and commenced investigating the above
case.
In company with Staff Sergeant Fraser, of the B.C. Provincial Police, I went to the Grand
Forks Hospital and questioned the following persons who had been injured and were
patients in the Hospital: Frank Russo, Mrs. Frank Russo, Joe Ching (Chinese) and Patrick
O'Shaughnessy — these people were unable to give any information as they were all
asleep long before the explosion occurred. Mrs. Russo had an alarm clock in her
luggage, but this was not the clock that was found at the wreck. The clock found at the
wreck was of Italian make, agents for same being in New York City.
The Inquest had been started the night before I arrived at Grand Forks and was
adjourned until Saturday November 1st, 1924, at 10 a.m.
I proceeded by train to Nelson. B.C.. on the evening of October 30th.
On the morning of October 31st, accompanied by Provincial Constable Johnston, Trail.

B.C. I went to the Kootenay General Hospital and interviewed the seven injured persons
who were in that Hospital, that were victims of this explosion: Nick Reiben, George
Kasakoff, George Zebroff, George Markin (All Doukhobors), Bud Singh, Nondi Singh
(Hindoos) and F.H. Gaskell — these seven persons were unable to give us any material
evidence as to what caused the explosion as they were all asleep at the time the
explosion occurred. In all there were 23 people in this coach at the time of the explosion
— eleven being injured and in the Hospitals at Grand Forks and Nelson — Nine being
dead, the names of the dead are as follows: — John McKie, M.L.A., Peter Veregin, Neil
Murray, Mary Sheloff, Peter Campbell, Nehal Singh, N.K. Fawcett, Harry Bishop and W.J.
Armstrong.
The copy of the evidence taken at the first sitting of the Coroner's Jury, is attached
hereto, together with evidence taken down by Sergt. Birch at the conclusion of the
Inquest on Saturday Nov. 1st. At the time of the writing of this report the Provincial
Police are looking for a suspect named Ran Kemenshikloff, a fanatic Doukhobor who has
lived near Grand Forks, and was in Farron the night of the explosion, this man is
supposed to have made a statement to two Doukhobors a few days before the disaster
to the effect "wait and see what happens to Peter Veregin in a few days".
I returned to Grand Forks on Saturday morning in order to be present at the Coroner's
Inquest. A Coroner's Jury was impanelled at Nelson on the 30th October and adjourned
until Monday the 3rd November — the evidence will be a repetition of that taken at the
Coroner's Inquest at Grand Forks.
Re: EXPLOSION C.P.R. TRAIN — FARRON, B.C.

While in Grand Forks, on the 30th October, I learned that a Russian, by the name of
DAN GRENOR, about 50 years old, had been around Grand Forks District repairing clocks
and claiming to be an expert on clocks, he also carried paper, and carbon paper, for
writing letters on a typewriter, which he did whenever he could borrow the use of a
machine, and he wrote several papers at a time. I have made careful inquiries for this
man and have finally heard that he is staying with some Doukhobor near Castlegar,
B.C., which is about 2 miles from Brilliant, the head place of the Doukhobor Colony.
Sergt. Birch and myself have an opportunity to leave here by special train which is going
to Brilliant, B.C., on Sunday morning Nov. 2nd, this train will arrive at Brilliant in time
for the funeral of Peter Veregin, which is to be held at 12.30 p.m., while there I intend
to search the effects of DAN GRENOR to see if I can get any information as to who he is
writing these long letters to.
If it was an infernal machine that caused this explosion there is a possibility that this
man might have had a hand in making it - I might mention that he is supposed to be
friendly with the suspect Ran Kemenshikloff.
At the conclusion of the Coroner's Inquest at Grand Forks, B.C., instructions were
telephoned to the Provincial Police at Nelson, B.C.. to arrest Ran Kemenshikloff.
A check up will be made in this District in an effort to ascertain who has purchased
explosives. A further report will be made in this case as soon as sufficient information
has been secured on the material points brought to light in my investigations.
(Signed) G.O. Reid. D/S/Sergt. Reg. No. 6556.
Source: University of Victoria Archives, KCIR Files (AR 051), Box 1; Folder 1.14, G.O.
Reid, RCMP Report Regarding Explosion On C.P.R. Train At Farron, BC., November 1,
1924.
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Simeon Kamenchikoff Statement to RCMP
COPY.
10:10 a.m.
PROVINCIAL GAOL.
Nelson. B.C. Oct. [Nov.] 5/24
Simeon Kamenchikoff.
Aged 42 years, born in Bessarabia, village of Grubia, Province Gottin, worked at

Agriculture. Came to Canada 1913, left old country 5th March, sailed from Hamburg and
came to Halifax, from there to Montreal, worked on streets (St. Charles St.) stayed
Montreal 3 months, after I went on Railway near Cochrane and then to Winnipeg stayed
there some years, worked on water works, from there to La Pas on Railway, then came
to Vancouver, B.C. I think 1917 or 1918 worked on snow shed for Mr. Creelman,
Contractor C.P.R. Then I came to Grand Forks and joined the Doukhobor Community, I
think 1917 or 1918 I paid in $300.00 to Community, lived 4 miles from Grand Forks with
John Kazakoff. I got short of money different times and Peter Verigin gave me $50.00 at
3 different times. I stayed 1 year and went to California and worked at Fresno and also
Big Creek. Came back to B.C. 1921 and went to Brilliant. I left the Community at Grand
Forks because I went to California, had no trouble at Grand Forks. I lives at Brilliant
maybe five days and then went back to Grand Forks to John Kazakoff. Peter Verigin
never whipped me and I never had trouble with any Doukhobors. Started work on
section at Billings last August, made $7.00 and then to Coryell and worked there until
wreck. I worked on Section west of Coryell two days before wreck, also day before
wreck, stayed that night in Section house, sleeping in same room with other Section
man Elias Swetlichinoff. I stayed in Section house all night never went out. Section
foreman told me next morning put in crow bar, hammer, etc. on speeder and we go to
Farron, when I saw wreck that was first I knew there had been a wreck. I helped clear
wreck away, we got to wreck after daylight, Coryell I think is ten miles from Farron. I
know Wasil Koochin and I see Bill Lazareff on train and Wasil Koochin son was with him,
we were on train between Grand Forks and Coryell. I do not know Dan Grenor a Russian
who repairs clocks and watches. I sat on train and had my crown of oranges (21) on
head. Lazareff told me that foolish and after more talk I tell him he no believe in Heaven
he go to "Hell". We never mentioned Peter Verigin. This conversation took place on train
maybe two weeks before explosion on train. Twice last spring Peter Verigin gave me
$50.00 each time he gave me Canadian money. I got now American which I changed
Bank, Grand Forks, $100.00 one time and paid 75¢ for it. I got American Money because
I want to go California again. I cashed it I think June month.
Sam Kamenchikoff
Czar of Heaven
Source: Library and Archives Canada, Access to Information Act, RG:18; Vol. 3306; File
1924-HQ-750-E-1-1, Simeon Kamenchikoff, Simeon Kamenchikoff Statement to RCMP,
November 5, 1924.
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RCMP Report Regarding Stolen Dynamite

“E” DivisionW. Kootenay Sub-Dist.
Vancouver
Penticton Detachment.
November 7th, 1924.

P.R. 1-11-24
Re: — Explosion on C.P.R. Train
Farron, B.C.
B.C. District
Ref. 24-12P-3.
On November 5th, 1924 I interviewed A.D. Dalgliesh of Tarry, B.C. who stated as
follows:
"I am a line foreman for the West Kootenay Light and Power Co. During the latter part of
Sept. 1924 my gang was working near Brilliant when a report was made to me one
morning, that a full case of 40% E.X.L. dynamite was stolen. This dynamite was in a tool
box which was locked and left alongside of the Govt. Road, upon investigation I
discovered a nut had been taken off the stove bolt that holds the lid in place, these nuts
were on the inside of the box which would indicate that someone had taken the nuts off,
who had access to the box during the day. Previous to that I had three independent
Doukhobors working on that gang, and all of these Doukhobors were not working on
Oct. 29th. and are still not working, two men being sick, and one dismissed, the two sick
men are Padnomorff and Ogloff, the man dismissed was Stereleoff.
About two or three weeks previous to this theft, a box of primers had been taken, and
another box of a different make substituted, these primers were kept in the tool box at
night, which was locked but the staple that held the lock was smashed."
Dalgliesh reported this theft of dynamite to the Office of West Kootenay Light & Power
Co. Bonnington. B.C. who in turn reported the theft to the Provincial Police. Nelson,
B.C.. who are in full possession of the facts, and are working on same.
The three Doukhobors mentioned do not belong to the Christian Community, having
broken away, Stereloff has been a soldier in Russia, and is supposed to be antagonistic
to the late Peter Veregin, at present he is working for another Dukhobbor named Bill
Sesterbito residing near Thrums
A check up of firms dealing in explosives was made the C.X.L. Co. Ltd. Nelson, B.C. &
The Giant Powder Co. Nelson, B.C. and also Hardware stores supplying explosives
through these firms, These firms had supplied quite a quantity of explosives to the
Christian Community of Brilliant, B.C. which had been spread over a considerable period,
there was nothing to indicate that there had been any unusual sale or anything
suspicious, beyond the theft reported upon and which the Provincial Police are
investigating.
A.G. Birch Sergt.
(Signed) A.G. Birch.
# 5166.
Officer Commanding,
R.C.M.P., B.C. Dist..
Vancouver, B.C.
Sir: — Forwarded.
R.L. Cadiz. Insp.
R.L. CADIZ
Commanding West Kootenay Sub-District.
Penticton. B.C.
7-11-24.
A.G. Birch and R.L. Cadiz, RCMP Report Regarding Stolen Dynamite, November 7, 1924.
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JULY 15, 1930 LETTER FROM F. CRUICKSHANK TO THE SUPERINTENDENT
BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL POLICE
"B" DIVISION
Divisional Headquarters,
Nelson, B. C.
July 15th, 1930.
The Acting Superintendent, B. C. Police
Victoria, B. C.
RE: DOUKHOBORS.
Mr. E. C. Cowell, Traveling Investigating Officer for the Department of the Immigration,
of Vancouver, B.C., called at this office on the morning of the 14th. instant and
discussed American cars visiting among the Doukhobors with Staff Sergeant
Stephenson, Sergeant McBrayne and myself. I might state that previously I had sent
wires to Sergeant Duncan at Fernie and Sergeant King at Penticton instructing them to
get in touch with the Border Officer's in their Districts to find out what American cars
had entered Canada with people of Russian names, also the license numbers of such
cars, length of permits and destination.
As there have been rumors heard several times of Russians being among the
Doukhobors at Porto Rico, I left at 1:30 P.M., July 14th, 1930 with Special Constable
Spielmans for that point and found that there were about twenty "Sons of Freedom"
there.
While talking to them I observed a man looked through a bush on the West side, where
no Doukhobors live. I asked George Feminoff who that man was and he stated that he
was a Russian who had been visiting there for a few days. We then went up there and
found there was a small shack and found a Russian of about sixty years of age. This
man stated his name was Jim Mitgren in English and that the Russian pronunciation was
"Grishen". He stated he had been living there since last January, that he was
Watchmaker by trade. He traveled around repairing watches and clocks. We found
letters on him that showed that he had been arranging for a Passport back to Russia,
upon his arrival in Japan, also that he had a brother, a School teacher in Russia and that
he had some relatives who were in employ of the Soviet Government. He had in his
possession an American Express Order for twenty dollars which he had made payable to
himself, and about twenty dollars in cash.
We brought this man back to Nelson office where I had Mr. Cowell interview him. After a
lengthy interview with him, Mr. Cowell informed me that this man was deportable, but
could not be deported to Russia. Mitgren (or Grishen) promised us that he would leave
Nelson on last night's train for Penticton and from there he would work west, repairing
clocks and watches until he secured enough money to pay his way to Japan en route to
Russia.
This man is very smooth and very ready with answers, and I feel satisfied that we did
not obtain all the information that he could have given us.
Sergeant McBrayne with Constable McIntosh have been investigating re fires and
dynamiting, and also Doukhobors and Doukhobor cars prowling around.
We have received a report that two Russians are among the Doukhobors. Sergeant
McBrayne with Constable McIntosh are investigating this report. Also Spec. Const.
Spielmans along with them.
Sergeant McBrayne will report the results of his investigations, but up to the present he
has been very busy and has had no time to do so.
The Doukhobor situation at present is very quiet as far as any Parades and Undressing
they are giving no trouble. A great number of "Sons of Freedom" are now settled in
Glade, Thrums and other parts.
(Signed) F. Cruickshank
Inspector Commissioner, "B" Division.
FC/M.
(Received C.I.B. HDQRS. — JULY 17 1930 — B.C. Police, Victoria. B.C.)
Source: Steve Lapshinoff, Documentary Report on the Death of Peter Verigin, et.al. in a
Train Explosion near Farron, B.C. in 1924 (Crescent Valley, BC: Steve Lapshinoff, 1993),
pp. 257-9, , , F. Cruickshank, Letter from F. Cruickshank Re: Doukhobors and other
Russians, July 15, 1930.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMO TO DIVISION COMMISSIONER SKINNER
DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND COLONIZATION

File No. 8615
VANCOUVER, B.C. July 17th, 1930.
MEMORANDUM TO DIVISION COMMISSIONER A. E. SKINNER:
Upon reaching Nelson at Midnight on the 12th instant I received your wire as follows:
"Attorney General complains entry Doukhobors from United States causing trouble
Nelson District. Investigate and remedy far as possible", and at the first opportunity
interviewed Inspector F. Cruickshank, Commanding B Division, Headquarters Nelson.
The Inspector called in his Police Staff, and with another official from Victoria we went
into conference on the Doukhobor situation, which at the present time is very serious
and threatens to become very critical at any moment.
The Provincial authorities evidently are at their wits ends to deal with the Doukhobor
sect known as the Sons of Freedom, who are charged with all manner of depredations
including the destruction by fire and explosion of public buildings and valuable industrial
plants on the large properties and holdings of the Community Doukhobors, who are
more or less law-abiding citizens. During the past several weeks large numbers from
outside British Columbia, sympathetic no doubt with the Sons of Freedom, have come
into the Doukhobor settlements of the Kootenays, many of them, it is believed, being
agitators. It is thought that if the ingress of outside Doukhobors could somehow be
stopped the Police could handle the situation and in due course straighten out the
trouble, but now all kinds of serious trouble, and possibly bloodshed is anticipated.
The Inspector admitted there were a large number of Doukhobor visitors from
theCanadian prairies in his District, but I informed him that there was no possible way,
under present regulations at least, of stopping the coming and going of these people, all
of whom were Canadians either by domicile or birth: it did not necessarily follow that all
Doukhobor strangers to the District were there as sympathizers with the Sons of
Freedom, and that many of them might possibly be bona fide visitors to friends and
relatives of the Community Doukhobors.
Late the same afternoon Inspector Cruickshank and his men on visiting the Porto Rico
camp arrested a Russian they have been suspicious of and looking for several months.
They have known for some considerable time that this Russian, not a Doukhobor, was
there, but they could never locate him, and the Doukhobors always protected him.
I examined this man at a considerable length, and from all angles, and found he was
METRO GRISHEN, alias MIT GRAEN, now using the name of Mit Gren. He claimed to be
sixty-four year sold, unmarried, but admitted he came to the United States and Canada
in 1898 with a young woman who lived with him, bore him a child, and some years later
he deserted both in Detroit, Michigan.
This man arrived in New York from Russia, via England, but cannot remember the name
of the boat or the month he arrived. He immediately entered Canada and located on a
homestead at Yorkton, Sask., later abandoning it. By occupation he is a traveling watch
and clock maker. He resided in Canaria continuously, he claims, for twenty years, then
went to the United States, crossing surreptitiously remained there two years, and since
then has crossed and re-crossed the International Line whenever he had the desire,
always finding a welcome in Doukhobor settlements. He last entered the United States
six years ago, crossing south of Grand Forks in this Province, and returned to Canada
two and a half years ago, crossing the Line without inspection near the Pacific Highway,
deliberately avoiding our Officers. Reaching Vancouver he met some Doukhobors who
knew him in Saskatchewan, and returned with them by car to the settlement.
I made him produce his money, consisting of approximately $60.00. He claimed to have
lost his Russian passport, and that at no time had he taken out United States citizenship
papers. The man could speak English, but with the aid of a Russian Interpreter attached
to the Police all his possessions, including many letters and documents, were carefully
examined, and his pack, containing tools and watch and clock repairing paraphernalia ,
carefully gone over. Amongst his effects I found a letter from the Soviet Consul at
Tokyo, Japan, advising him that he had received authority from the Soviet Government
to issue him a passport to continue his contemplated journey to Russia upon reaching
Tokyo, (Consul's reference B T-001). He stated that the Sons of Freedom had promised
to provide him with the cost of transportation to Russia simply because they were
friendly to him. When questioned regarding the object of his visit or mission he was very
noncommittal, and in fact reticent, but finally said there was no particular object other
than a visit.
There was evidence amongst his papers that he had made purchases from Messrs.
McGeachie & Holdworth Limited, Wholesale Jewelers, Calgary. Although this man was
unquestionably illegally in Canada, having lost Canadian domicile, being a Russian we
could not succeed in deporting him. Nothing much was to be gained by prosecuting him
and giving him a prison sentence, and I therefore instructed the Police to release him.
The Doukhobors have been known to have Bombs, for instance when Peter Verigin the
First was assassinated and as this man, with his life long knowledge of time-pieces
would be extremely valuable to the Doukhobors in the event of them deciding to practice
Russian anarchist tactics in this Country, I deemed it advisable, before releasing him, to
persuade him to leave the District in which the Doukhobors lived, intimating to him in no
uncertain language that he would be immediately arrested and charged with illegal entry
to Canada if he was again found within one hundred miles of the Doukhobor settlement;
and I am pleased to report that he left Nelson on the West Bound Train for the
Okanagan Valley within a few hours of his release. The Police will no doubt make the
necessary arrangements to keep track of this man for some time.
Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) W. C. Cowell.
Traveling Investigating Officer.
pp. 259-61, , , W.C. Cowell, Memorandum from Department of Immigration and
Colonization to A.E. Skinner , July 17, 1930.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 18, 1932 Investigative Report
Regina, Sask. July 18, 1932

Moose Jaw File 39336
Winnipeg File 37147
Investigator reports:
RE: Explosion Near Farron. B.C., in First Class Day Coach 1586 of Train
No. 11, October 29, 1924 whereby Peter Verigin, Sr., and several others
received injuries which resulted in their deaths.
Pursuant to instructions I respectfully beg to report that while on duty in the Nelson
District during May and June 1932, in connection with the removal of one rail and the
attempted removal of another rail from C.P.R. track, damage to C.P.R. water tank at
Perry Siding, and C.P.R. switch situated at Thrums being blown by explosives, outrages
being committed in the vicinity of Doukhobor settlements, for which crimes they were
believed to be responsible. Further crimes had been committed about that time in the
blowing of water pipe lines, burning and blastings of schools situated in the Doukhobor
vicinity.
J.P. Burns. Esq., Ass. Chief, Western Line, made headquarters at Nelson in company
with Investigators and Constables and took charge of operations in so far as this
Company was concerned. Inspector H. McGowan and Investigators being stationed at
Grand Forks and working out of that point. The Asst. Chief was in close touch with P.
Cruickshanks, Inspector of the B.C. Police ,with headquarters at Nelson, B.C. and the
two Forces co-operated in a matter considered most likely in detecting those responsible
for the outrages and preventing further crimes, whereby life and valuable property was
in danger. [...]
In the course of enquiry the names of several Doukhobors were given to Asst. Chief
Burns and Inspector Cruickshank, who might be able to throw some light on the parties
responsible for the explosion which occurred on train No. 11, on October 29th, 1924,
whereby Peter Verigin was killed and several others received injuries which resulted in
their deaths. [...]
The man mentioned as Blaney, is Joseph Blaney, C.P.R. Loco[motive] Engineer, who
resides at Nelson. I interviewed Mr. Blaney, who stated that on the night of October
28th/24 he boarded the day coach of the C.P.R. passenger train No. 11 at Nelson for the
purpose of proceeding to Farron, where he was to relieve another Engineer who had
been taken ill at that point. There were a number of persons in the car when he boarded
the same at Nelson. Before reaching Castlegar he noticed Peter Veregin and a little girl
sitting about three or four seats in front or him. While the train was stopped at Castlegar
Station, Mr. Blaney states, that two men, apparently Doukhobors, entered the day coach
carrying two grips or suitcases, which they placed close to Peter Verigin, but was not
sure where they placed the grips, just in front or just behind the seat occupied by him.
These men engaged in a short conversation with Veregin, shook hands and apparently
wished him good luck and left the train, leaving the grips or suitcases where placed.
Mr. Blaney thought that these men were merely carrying some of Veregin's baggage on
board for him, which was customary amongst the Doukhobors, the two men were
strangers to Mr. Blaney and he does not think that he would recognize them again if
seen, but, he often thought that one of the men looked very much like J.P. Shukin, the
present Vice Pres. of the Doukhobors under Peter Verigin, Jr's control, but he could not
identify him as being one of the two men and he could not say that he has seen either of
the two men since that night. Mr. Blaney left the train on arrival at Farron and shortly
after the train pulled out of the Farron station he heard a tremendous explosion. He ran
to his engine and proceeded to the scene of the explosion, picked up the cars which
were undamaged, and later conveyed some of the injured to Nelson Hospital. Beyond
seeing the two men board the train at Castlegar with the two grips, which they placed in
the vicinity of where Peter Verigin was sitting, and seeing the men leave the train,
leaving the grips behind, he knows nothing further that would assist in placing
responsibility for the explosion on train No. 11. [...]
I interviewed Peter Hardie, Hotel Proprietor, Castlegar, he stated that he recalled the
evening of Oct. 28th/24 and train No. 11 leaving Castlegar, as there were several
persons in his hotel that evening [w]ho proceeded West on that train. He stated that he
always suspected a Russian, who had been in the vicinity for some time as being
responsible for making the bomb which caused the explosion resulting in the death of
Peter Veregin and several others. He stated that this Russian, who was traveling among
the Doukhobors, was a watchmaker and he was in his hotel at Castlegar on the
afternoon of Oct. 28th., but since that time he had disappeared and he had not seen him
since. Mr. Hardie described the man as being a Russian, about 44 years of age, slim
build, 5"7", dark hair and moustache, carrying a bag said to contain watchmaker's tools.
I made the closest inquiries and took the matter up with Inspector Cruickshank, who
recalled that in the Spring of 1930 he received information that a Russian answering this
description was living among the different settlements of Doukhobors, but for the time
being he was unable to locate him. On July 14th, 1930, Inspr. Cruickshank, in company
with Interpreter Spielman, proceeded to Porto Rico, B.C. While talking to the
Doukhobors the Inspector observed a man looking through the thick brush on the West
side, where no Doukhobors were living. George Feminoff informed the Inspector that the
man was Russian who had been visiting there for a few days. The Police went to the
place where the man was and found a small shack occupied by the Russian who was
about 50 years of age. He stated that his name was Jim Mitgren in English and that the
Russian pronunciation was Grishin. He stated that he had been living there since January
1930, and that he was a watchmaker by trade and traveled around repairing watches
and clocks. The man was searched and there was found on him which showed that he
had been arranging for a passport back to Russia upon his arrival in Japan, also that he
had a brother a school teacher in Russia and that he had some relatives who were in the
employ of the Soviet Government. He had in his possession an American Express Order
for twenty dollars, which was made payable to himself and about $20.00 in cash. He
was brought to the Police Office at Nelson where Mr. Cowell, Canadian Immigration
Dept. interviewed him. After a lengthy interview Mr. Cowell informed Insp. Cruickshank
that the man was deportable, but could not be deported to Russia.
Mitgren or Grishin promised the Police and Immigration Officer that he would leave
Nelson that night on train 11 for Penticton and from there would work West, repairing
clocks and watches until he secured enough money to pay his way to Japan enroute to
Russia. Inspr. Cruickshank stated that this man was very smooth and very ready with
answers and he felt certain that he did not obtain all the information that he could have
given. The Inspector found a photograph of the man on his person, which he retained.
He was not connected up at that time with being in the vicinity in 1924 and was allowed
to go.
The Inspector took the matter up by phone with Sergt. G.J. Duncan, B.C. Police at
Penticton, and requested him to make inquiries if Mitgren could be located in that
District, and received a reply, from the Sergt. stating that he had interviewed Simeon
Kamenchikoff, better known as, "Orange Sam" or the "Czar of Heaven", also Mr. P.H.
Keane, well known Fruit Grower there, who at one time employed "Gretchin". They both
stated Gretchin returned to Russia about two years ago and is still there as,
Kamenchikoff received a letter from him a short time ago. Gretchin is described as a
Russian, aged 50 years, slight build, about 5"7", gray hair and a moustache,
watchmaker by trade.
In company with Insp. Cruickshank we interviewed Nick Maloff, Independent farmer at

Castlegar. Maloff recalls seeing this watchmaker in the doukhobor district in 1924 and he
stayed two nights with Mr. Maloff at Castlegar, but he would not tell any person his
name, only that he was "God". Mr. Maloff stated that the last he heard of this man was
in 1930, when he was living at Porto Rico among the Doukhobors. As the photograph of
Metro Grishen or Gretchin had disappeared from the B.C. Police files when I was making
inquiries at that point, but has since turned up and this department supplied a copy; I
would respectfully suggest that Peter Hardie, Hotel Proprietor at Castlegar, and Joseph
Blaney, C.P.R. Loco. Eng'r, Nelson, be shown the photograph, Mr. Hardie with a view to
the identity of the man as being seen in his hotel on Oct. 28th, 1924 ,and Mr. Blaney
with a possibility of identity as one of the men seen carrying baggage on the train at
Castlegar, which they left behind on the train.
I proceeded to Shouldice, Alta., and there interviewed Annastasia Lords, who up until
Oct. 28th, 1924, lived with Peter Veregin, Sr., at Brilliant. After the death of Verigin,
Annastasia attempted to get control as President of the Christian Community of
Doukhobors, but there was some divided opinion as to this, and Mrs. Peter Veregin,
Peter Veregin's wife, who had been residing in Russia with her son, Peter Veregin, Jr.,
arrived at Brilliant in the Fall of 1925, so as to pave the way for her son Peter taking
over the control of the doukhobors as President. A large meeting was held in Brilliant for
some days and finally Peter Veregin, Jr. was voted in control and made President.
Annastasia left Brilliant with several hundred of her followers and purchased about two
sections of land two miles frorn Shouldice, where a Community has now grown up, and
they appear to be living peacefully causing no trouble. Annastasia stated that she was
very pleased to see and hear that the C.P.R. had not forgotten the murder of Peter
Veregin, but that she had changed her views very much since the time Peter was killed,
she at that time expressing the views that the Government and the C.P.R. were
responsible. She stated that Peter Veregin Jr. and his mother came to Brilliant from
Russia in 1905 and Peter Verigin put them in a Community house to live and ordered
Peter to work, which he did for a few days and then refused to work further, whereupon
he and his father had a quarrel. Peter Jr. also at that time said to his father and also told
Annastasia that he would kill her. Finally Peter Veregin ordered his wife and son off the
property and ordered their return to Russia. The two returned to Russia and in 1906
Peter Jr. returned to Canada by himself, and came to see his father, who refused to see
him and sent him word to return to Russia. Peter Veregin refused to acknowledge his
wife and son after their visit in 1905, and bitter feeling existed between them.
When Mrs. Veregin returned to Canada in 1925 to endeavour to get control for her son,
Peter, Annastasia and Mrs. Veregin did not speak and the two had no dealings with each
other. After Peter Jr. arrived in Canada he went to Shouldice to see Annastasia and her
community, and she met him and saw that he was much the worse of liquor. She
rebuked him for his behavior. The second time he returned he was also drunk.
Annastasia told him she would like an inscription placed on the tomb of Peter Veregin at
Brilliant, and he told her he would place an inscription on the tomb that would astonish
the world. He also told her that he knew all about who killed his father on the C.P.R.
train in 1924, but he was not yet prepared to tell. The third and last time Peter came to
her settlement he was also drunk and she sent word and ordered him off the property.
She is satisfied that his only object at visiting her was to attempt to break up her
settlement. From what Peter had told her on these visits she feels satisfied that Peter
Veregin, Jr. and his mother had some hand and played some part in the death of Peter
Veregin and the explosion on the train but she could not supply any definite information
at this time that would prove this to be true. She is of the belief that the murder of Peter
Veregin was plotted in Russia, but who carried out the crime here she has been unable
to find out, but she is still hoping that some day she will be able to obtain this
information and will gladly notify this Company in appreciation for the interest this
Department has shown in endeavouring to locate the parties responsible for the murder.
I showed her the photograph of Metro Grishen, alias C. Mitgren, but she had never seen
him before.
I also interviewed Larry Veregin at Shouldice. He stated that he had never obtained any
information as to who was responsible for the death of Peter Veregin. He stated that on
Oct. 28th, 1924, he had been busy all day with correspondence for Peter Veregin before
he left for Grand Forks, and he knew that he would then proceed to Spokane, where he
was to meet Lazaroff and Baskin, who were both driving to Spokane by auto. He further
stated that it was quite common for Peter Veregin to purchase a railway ticket only part
way when he intended to travel ,and informed me confidentially that the Conductors
used to pass him on without transportation. He stated that he often traveled with him
and had seen this done, which he stated accounted for Verigin only purchasing a ticket
on the night of October 28th, 1924, Brilliant to Castlegar. I showed Larry Veregin the
photograph of C. Mitgren, which he recognized as the man who in 1924 was around the
Doukhobor settlement at Brilliant, passing as a watch and clock repairman. He knew
that he was a Russian, but never knew his correct name. He stated that he suspected
that he was there for a no good purpose and sent word to have him removed off the
property and he did not see him again, later in the summer of 1924. He did not know if
Peter Veregin was acquainted with this man or not, but never saw them together.
It will be noted in the reports that Constable R.J. House, dated Nelson, B.C., Nov.
6th/24, that exhibits A and B mentioned in Jury's verdict as an alarm clock, a portion of
the dry cell battery, which were believed to be portions of the attachment in connection
with the time bomb which exploded in the coach on the morning of Oct. 29th, 24 with
fatal results. From expert evidence given at the inquest there was an attachment in the
shape of a small piece of copper or brass wire fastened to the hour wheel of clock and a
dry cell battery having a strip of tin soldered onto the zinc casting of the dry cell. Both
these articles having been found by the Constable in the vicinity of where the explosion
occurred. Both these articles show evidence of having been through fire and explosion
and are still held by the Prov. Police at Nelson. Expert evidence was given at the Inquest
to the effect that the clock had been taken apart at least once so as to fasten the copper
or brass wire to the hour wheel, which manipulation was said to be the work of a man
acquainted with clocks and their movements.
It is quite possible that Metro Grishen alias Mitgren may have had a hand in the making
of the time bomb mentioned, owing to his knowledge of watchmaking and his suspicious
manner in loitering in the Doukhobor vicinity. And also with regard to the statement of
Peter Hardie, Castlegar, that he saw the man at Castlegar on Oct. 28th, he having
disappeared from the district after that time until 1930, no trace of him having been
found in the meantime, and also his apparent connection with the Soviet Government in
Russia, to which country he has now returned.
There may be truth in the rumor that the assassination of Peter Veregin was planned in
Russia and it is quite possible that Mrs. Veregin and her son Peter played a part in this
so that Peter Verigin, Jr. might get control of the Doukhobor community in this country.
But up to the present it has been found impossible to obtain any evidence to connect up
the guilty parties.
Unknown, "Investigator Report," July 18, 1932.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police Report on Grishin (Greitchen) Metro
DIVISION "B"
DISTRICT: West Kootenay
British Columbia Provincial Police
File no.
DETACHMENT: NelsonDate: 22-8-32
Unorganized Territory.
REPORT
Re — FARRON RAILWAY EXPLOSION — October 28, 1924.
Re- GRISHIN (or Greitchen) Metro — Enquiries concerning.
Mr. Peter Hardie, Hotel Proprietor, Castlegar, was shown the photo of the above named
man and immediately identified it as the above named, who was a watchmaker, was
around Castlegar on and off for sometime before the Farron disaster, was there day
before the disaster, and on the evening it happened, Mr. Hardie could not say if Grishin
got on the train or not.
Joseph Blaney, C.P.R., Engineer, was shown the photo, but could not recognize it as
being either of the two men he saw carry grips to Peter Veregin on the train at Castlegar
the night of the explosion.
Photo of Grishin attached.
(C.G. Barber) Sergt. i/c,

West Kootenay District.
The Officer Commanding,

"B" Division,
Nelson, BC
Source: Library and Archives Canada, Access to Information Request A-2004-00120,

RG 18 Vol 3306 File HQ 750-1-1, C.G. Barber, Police Report on Grishin (Greitchen)
Metro, August 22, 1932.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAY 15, 1965 RCMP MEMO RE METRO GRIESHIN

Division: "E"
RCMP FILE REFERENCES:
Sub-Division: Nelson
E-500-300-5-1
Detachment: Spl. "D" Sec.
63NL-5/1-12
Date: 15-MAY-65.
63-5/0-11
SVOBODNIKI — Information from Simma Holt.
7-APR-65:
…
3. On 6-May-65, Pete ELASOFF (E335) was interviewed at Krestova, B.C., regarding any
information he may have concerning the death of Peter Lordly VERIGIN. ELASOFF said
that he had left the Brilliant community prior to Lordly's death and moved to Nelson,
where he was employed by one J.F. HARRIS. He said that he knew very little about the
death of Lordly because of his being away from the community. ELASOFF was asked
about the manuscript written by John BONDEROFF as mentioned in P.C.R. dated 14-
June-63, and he said that on Sam REIBIN wrote a book and used part of BONDEROFF'S
manuscript "Dark Image" but he doesn't know if the book was published. I asked him if
he knew the watchmaker Metro GRIESHIN and he said that he first met this man in
1929, at Porto Rico, B.C., when he was brought to the community from mental hospital
by Peter SLASTUKIN and Bill CHERNENKOFF (both residence of the Svobodnik camp.
Agassiz. B.C.). GRIESHIN disappeared shortly after and the next time ELASOFF saw him
was in the mid 1930's at New Denver, where he lived in a Chinese Cafe and repaired
watches for local miners. This was the last time ELASOFF seen GRIESHIN and he said
that he appeared about sixty (60) years old and in poor health.
14-MAY-65:
…
D.D. 14-JUL-65
A.B. Godlien.
Cst. Special "D" Section.
pp. 301-4, , , A.B. Godlien, May 15, 1965 RCMP Memo Re Metro Grieshin, May 14,
1965. Notes: Cited in Steve Lapshinoff, Documentary Report on the Death of Peter
Verigin et .al. in a Train Explosion near Farron, B.C. in 1924 (Crescent Valley: Steve
Lapshinoff, 1993), pp. 301-4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY 27, 1965 RCMP MEMO RE METRO GRIESHIN

Division: Chilliwack
Detachment Special ‘D’ Section
Province: British Columbia
Date 27 July 1965
SVOBODNIKI – Information from Simma Holt
... I interviewed Peter P. SLASTUKIN ... at the SVOBODNIK camp in Agassiz regarding
this matter. ... I ... questioned SLASTUKIN about his alleged association with Metro
GRIESHIN ... He insisted that neither he nor Bill CHERNENKOFF brought GRIESHIN to
the Freedomite encampment at Porto Rico in 1929. Instead he said that GRIESHIN came
there on his own from Essondale Mental Hospital. Within couple of months [sic] he
claims GRIESHIN was chased out of the camp by a group that included CHERNENKOFF
and himself. CHERNENKOFF told me basically the same story as SLASTUKIN and
maintains that neither of them associated with GRIESHIN in any way, at any time. ...
E.O. Peever, Sgt.

i/c Chilliwack S/D. Special “D” Section
pp. 314, , , E.O. Peever, Sgt, July 27, 1965 RCMP Memo re Metro Grieshin, July 27,
1965. Notes: Cited in Steve Lapshinoff, Documentary Report on the Death of Peter
Verigin et .al. in a Train Explosion near Farron, B.C. in 1924 (Crescent Valley: Steve
Lapshinoff, 1993), p. 314
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doukhobor factionalism intensifies in early 1920s, pp. 35-72
MR. McINTOSH: Now, I would like to read from Peter Malloff's book, "Dukhobortsy, Ikh
Istoriia, Zhizn' I Bor'ba." ... I will refer to the original pages in Malloff ... basically 130 to
171 [...][end of p. 35]
It would be wrong to conclude from what has been said that the Christian Community
had completely disintegrated. In 1920 and 1921, the community still represented a
powerful and firmly united spiritual kingdom. The rumors about the dishonest actions of
certain men in responsible positions were mostly rumors, although they grew steadily.
They proved instances of theft were rare and, in general, things were not yet out of
Peter Vasilevich's hands. There were still many serious and idealistic men in the
community. Their faith was strong, unshaken by transgressions of the few.
Peter Vasilievich, however, could not deceive himself. He realized clearly, that things
remained well only on the surface, that moral disintegration was undermining his good
intentions. He tried to awaken the consciousness of his people. He called them to moral
perfection, to the realization of their spiritual duties. In the past he had sometimes used
strict measures: denying the guilty ones their allotment of flour, expelling them from the
community. Several times he even slapped their faces. But that apparently had hurt his
feelings and made him suffer intensely, more indeed than the punished ones. Gradually
he abandoned this kind of correction towards those who were doing evil and tried to use
persuasion.
[In 1921] Peter Vasilievich received a very unpleasant and even an alarming message. It
happened this way: One or two weeks after the abovementioned meeting Peter
Vasilievich had to go from Verigin [Saskatchewan] to Calmoor, about a hundred miles
away. He invited a young Doukhobor, whom he knew very well, to accompany him. They
boarded the train and rode to Canora. There the train stopped for ten or fifteen minutes
according to the schedule. As soon as the train had stopped a man, apparently in a
great hurry, jumped onto it and ran up and down the coaches. It was apparent that he
was looking for somebody on this train. This man was Nick Hoodicoff. As soon as he
realized Peter, he came and sat beside him. Hoodicoff, being very excited, leaned to
Peter and half whispered: "Peter Vasilievich, I beg you to be on your guard. There is a
great danger threatening you. I heard that you were due to pass here today and I
hurried here to warn you." "Indeed?" asked Peter Vasilievich, very much surprised. "Yes,
it is true. They want to murder you." "But it cannot be true," replied Peter Vasilievich.
"Why, I can't believe it. Who did I harm or to whom have I been an obstacle?" Nick
Hoodicoff said that he had been present at a conversation of two [in original Russian,
“some”] conspirators who considered him to be on their side. He did not show that in
reality he was against them. So they spoke frankly in his presence without suspecting
him. Hoodicoff leaned close to Peter Vasilievich and whispered into his ear, but Peter's
companion was able to hear what was said. Hoodicoff named the conspirators, three
independent Doukhobors and one foreigner.
After his return to British Columbia, Peter Vasilievic told the members of the community
at an open meeting about everything that had happened on the train. His story made
different impressions on different people. The majority were simply thunderstruck, but
at the same time they could not believe that such a prediction could be true. Their
simple hearts could not accept the sad fact that anyone could be so wicked as to dare
commit such an evil and terrible deed. They suspected that "Petushka" invented the
story in order to stir them up. Others listened coolly deciding that Peter had noticed the
indifference of the people towards him and wanted to awaken more sympathy. At any
rate the people remained silent virtually.
In the summer of 1924 ... the rumor spread that Peter Vasilievich had been murdered in
Thrums. This rumor reached even the newspapers. But on July the 23rd Peter returned
safely from Grand Forks to Brilliant. They told him about the rumors but he paid no
attention to them. At this time the animosity of a certain materialistic group towards
Peter reached its limit. It was persistently reported to the Government that he was
causing unrest among the Doukhobors. Peter Vasilievich now understood that a hostile
ring had surrounded him and was tightening its grip. His only hope of safety would be to
leave the Doukhobor community and retire to a distance. But he refused even to think of
that for it would mean betrayal of his ideals. [...] He knew that since some really
religious people remain true to him, for their sake, he would not consent to quit his post
and leave them to their fate. Danger or no danger, he would not run away, as a mother
would not leave her children in a burning house and escape alone. But what happened to
the members of the community? How did they react to these circumstances. In all
probability they suspected nothing and did not notice what was going on. Like the
Apostles in the garden of Gethsomane they were sound asleep, when their Master was
praying in mortal agony with foreknowledge of his coming end. This was not because
they had lost their love and respect toward their leader. The majority of them were still
devoted to him. But spiritual sleep overpowered them. In their naivety they could not
believe that Peter Vasilievich was really in danger. Deeply absorbed in the cares of
everyday life they could not perceive and were unable to interpret the signs and omens
of the evil times. Besides, they had already lost their unity. They'd split into different
groups. Opposite currents had formed and gradually in the depths of the community the
undercurrent of discontent began slowly but steadily to destroy the spiritual work of
many years. On the surface everything still remained calm and quiet, but the inner
discord was leading to its -- to the community's disintegration.
[Maloff describes]four main groups. The first one was composed of unbelievers, the
second pseudo-believers, the third, superficial or external believers and the fourth group
consisted of the true believers who still preserved their faith. But then he talks about the
young workers, and then the so called aristocracy, the privileged members of the
community, the clerks and managers, the members of the Verigin family. The most
numerous was the women whose faith he regards as real but superficial in some
respects. The fourth, those who preserved the real faith. And this he regards as a
minority. Of course, Peter Vasilievich himself, could not miss these signs of
disintegration.
On October the 15th [1924] Peter Vasilievich was in Nelson where he spent the night in
his apartment. Anton Streliaev, the head of the household of this apartment remained
with him all the time. In the evening a local dentist, well known to Peter Vasilievich,
dropped in to see him. This dentist was the representative from the district in
parliament, so his visit was semi-official in nature. Peter entered into a heated
discussion with him which lasted several hours. The guest tried to entreat him to accept
Government schools but Peter Vasilievich remained unyielding.
On October the 28th Peter Vasilievich sent word to Maria Streliaev, Anton's sister, who
often accompanied him on his trips, to come immediately to Brilliant. When she arrived
Peter Vasilievich told her to prepare to go with him to Grand Forks. There were rumors
that there was some misunderstanding between Mary Streliaev and Anastasia Golubeva,
but the details are not known to the author of this book. The same evening a few
persons gathered in Peter Vasilievich's house. Sam Postnikov, nicknamed, (Russian)
little grain, is it? Timothy Streliaev, Larry V. Verigin and Ivan Maslov, both clerks; Feka
L. Verigina, the maid servant, and Mary Streliaev. Anastasia was not present. Peter
remained silent for a long time. Then he gave an order to bring some fruit juice from the
cellar. When this juice was brought Peter Vasilievich looked at those present and said:
"We are having a last supper tonight, the way Jesus Christ had it with his disciples. This
is not wine simply fruit juice but it resembles wine. ... We shall follow Jesus Christ's
example." Then he poured the juice into a glass and gave one half to Sam Postnikov and
the other half to Timothy Streliaev. He addressed Larion saying, "I left you $20,000.00
in cash in the office. Please, order several carloads of flour immediately so the people
may have some bread. I may go on a long journey and I would not like to leave the
people hungry." It was ten o'clock in the evening. Those present went to the station to
see Peter Vasilievich and Maria Streliaev depart. The settlers in Grand Forks were
informed by telephone to meet Peter at the station. At the sound of the train's whistle
Peter Vasilievich addressed those whom came to see him off. "Well, brothers, goodbye
and forgive me for everything. We are starting on a long journey." When the train
approached, Maria Streliaev, as if she had some premonition said to Peter Vasilievich,
"Petushka, I am afraid." "Nonsense," answered Peter Vailievich and he almost carried
her into the train. When they had occupied [end of p. 71] their seats Peter lifted the
window up, leaned out and repeated once more, "Goodbye and forgive me, brothers. We
are going on a long journey."
Source: , , , Kootenay Committee on Intergroup Relations, Volume LXX, "Kootenay

Committee on Intergroup Relations, Volume LXX," April 15, 1986, 35-72.
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BOMB CAUSE OF DEATHS IS CERTAIN.
POLICE AND EXPERTS PRACTICALLY DISCARD OTHER THEORIES IN BLAST.

LIST OF DEAD
IS NOW NINE
DOUKHOBOR LEADER WAS IN
FEAR OF ASSASSINATION,
FRIENDS SAY.
MONTREAL. Oct 30-- The finding of an alarm clock with a part of a dry battery in a
shattered grip was reported to D.C. Coleman, Vice-President of the Canadian Pacific
Railway western lines at Winnipeg, by General Manager Murphy, who examined the car
in which explosion occurred Wednesday at Farron, in which nine persons were killed
including Peter Vengin, Doukhobor leader, and John McKie, M.L.A. for Grand Forks, B.C.
Nine persons died in the terrific blast that wrecked the Kootenay-Coast train at Farron, a
desolate spot in the mountains between Grand Forks and Nelson, early Wednesday
morning, and eleven are being treated in the hospitals of Nelson and Grand Forks. The
finding of two additional bodies by searchers amid the charred remains of the railway
coach, and the death at Nelson of one of the wounded added to the five known of
Wednesday.
The dead now stands as follows: Peter Verigin, Doukhobor leader; John A. McKie. M.L.A.,
Grand Forks; W. J. Armstrong, commercial travel- er, 156 Eleventh street east, North
Vancouver; Neil Murray, farmer, Grand Forks; Harry J. Bishop, Nelson; H. K. Fawcett,
news agent, Cambridge street Vancouver; Mary Syrenoli, Doukhobor girl, Nelson; and
two unidentified persons, believed to be Sikhs.
With bomb experts from the C.I.D. department of the R.C.M.P., provincial police
detectives under Inspector William Dunwoodie, and members of the C. P. R.
investigation department on the ground, every effort is being made to clear up the
mystery of the explosion.
That the blast was caused by a bomb or package of high explosives within the car close
to where Peter Verigin was seated, is the belief expressed by those who are probing the
affair. Wit- nesses gathering at Grand Forks to give evidence before Coroner Kingston,
who opened an inquest on Wednesday and is continuing it, say that the light- ing gas
tanks beneath the floor of the coach were intact following the wrecking Of the car. These
were noted before the car was destroyed by the fire which followed the explosion.
Only two persons in the coach at the time escaped death or injury. Their story is to be
found in another column. Others, whose injuries are slight, permitting them to talk, all
tell a similar story, which is to the effect that the force of the explosion carried along the
floor. One of Peter Veregin's lower limbs was torn from his body.
Members of the Doukhobor community near Grand Forks declare that threats had been
recently against the life of Veregin. They point to the fact that his house was burned
some months ago and say that the intention of the incendiary at that time was to bum
him to death.
It is said that he recently told those in his confidence that he was nervous about
traveling, fearing an attack.
Alex Danshion, one of the leaders of the sect, is stated to have told the authorities that
Peter Veregin had been taking precautions to ward off attempts against him.
It is on the theory that it was a bomb placed in the car for the purpose of killing the
Doukhobor chieftain that the police are concentrating their investigations.
It was at first believed that a gas tank had exploded, but this was discarded almost
immediately provincial police began their investigations. The next theory advanced was
that a package of dynamite belonging to some prospector had exploded, but a checkup
on those in the car does not indicate that any prospector had been on the train.
Source: "Bomb Cause of Details is Certain," The Province, October 30, 1924.
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'ORANGE SAM' GOT BEATING FROM PETER.
DAY AND NIGHT BEFORE THE EXPLOSION HE WAS IN FARRON AREA.
GRAND FORKS, Nov. 6 Arrest of "Orange Sam," or Sam Kamenshikoff, one of the
fanatical Doukhobors of the North Fork district, which took place at Castlegar at the
week-end, fearing his making trouble at the funeral of Peter Verigin, may yet furnish a
real clue to the bombing of the railway coach at Farron, October 29. when John MacKie,
Peter Verigin and seven others lost their lives.
Kamenshikoff is said to have spent the day before the tragedy within a few miles of
Farron; that he was the first Doukhobor on the scene of the wreck following the
explosion and that it is said that he and the late Peter Verigin were recently combatants
in a fisted dual at the Grand Forks depot.
Kamenshikoff is one of a group of Doukhobors who were exiled from the Verigin
community because of their "advanced" religious beliefs. With them Verigin was not the
Holy Spirit, because several of them claimed to have been to the celestial regions
several times and had personal acquaintances themselves.
To designate his religious advancement, Kamenshikoff wore about a dozen oranges in

the form of a crown, which was made him quite conspicuous among the flock in recent
years.
One evening two months ago Kamenshikoff accosted Verigin at the local railway station,
and whatever may have been the conversation, it resulted in quite a physical battle, in
which Verigin gave Orange Sam quite severe usage, according to spectators.
Although never friendly with Verigin, because of not being allowed to visit the
community, Kamenshikoff is said to have frequently expressed a grudge against the
leader.
Kamenshikoff ordinarily lives a few miles of Grand Forks, and is rarely elsewhere, but it
now transpires that he spent the day and night before the tragedy within an hour's walk
of the scene of the wreck. allegedly on railway construction work.
Robert Kabatoff, who has known Verigin many years, was one of the two or three local
Doukhobors who rushed to the scene of the accident early Wednesday morning. They
went by motor part way and then walked some miles. He states that on his arrival there
Kamenchikoff was already looking over the wreckage, and was able to direct as to
location of Verigin's body.
Police are following up the clues closely, and are now trying definitely to place
Kamenshikoff at the time of the wreck.
Source: "Orange Sam Got Beating From Peter," Nelson Daily News, November 7, 1924.
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ORANGE MAN HAD DREAMS OF PETER'S DEATH.
The "Czar of Heaven" at about 5 o'clock last night walked from the Nelson jail a free
man. On his head he had his crown of 21 oranges. He was released following an inquiry
as to his actions before several police officers who are here working on the Kettle Valley
train tragedy. The czar was represented by his counsel, E. G. Matthew.
Practically all the afternoon was taken up by the inquiry, the czar whose right name is
Simon Kaminchikoff, giving every information possible as he paced up and down the jail
office.
Several interesting things were brought to light, among them a dream which Simeon
had. He told of the dream when questioned as to whether or not he had written a letter
to Peter Verigin, giving him warning of death.
He wrote to Verigin last spring. It was a brotherly love letter.
"I dreamed that harm would come to Peter. I wrote him of the dream I had, I was in
California when I had this dream," stated the czar.
His dream was that he had left California and had gone to Saskatchewan, where all
people were brothers. He felt lonely in California. In Saskatchewan his dream showed all
were brothers and took wheat and put it in stooks. People were working in the fields.
They suddenly heard a great noise. Mr. Verigin came and witness stated that in his
dream he was working some distance from the others. He was stooping down working.
He saw Peter Verigin behind him.
"Peter called me. I stood before him. I looked at him and saw all his face was all mud.
His cheeks were muddy. I said. 'Who hit you like that?' After that Peter Verigin cried. He
said, 'a strange country did that to me'" That was all of the dream.
He had written to Peter Verigin often and had never threatened him in any of his letters.
Neither had he ever threatened Verigin over the telephone.
Kaminchikoff was detained by provincial police authorities on Saturday last on

information of Inspector Dunwoody. He has been in the Nelson jail since. Although
appearing fanatical he seemed quite smart and knew enough to have a legal advisor. He
had asked several times if he could be held in jail without a charge being laid against
him.
Questioned if he would hold a higher rank in heaven than Peter Verigin, the czar stated
that Verigin would be higher he was more generous and a better educated man.
Kaminchikoff, who belongs to the fanatical element, is not a Doukhobor, he has lived
among the colonists, but came to them from Bessarabia some two or three years ago.
He is disclaimed by the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood who emphatically
state that he does not belong to their numbers.
The "Czar of Heaven" came to Canada on a boat from Russia and was classed as a
Doukhobor. He was living at the Grand Forks community off and on. When he wore
oranges on his head Peter Verigin had told him to take them off. He was not a
Doukhobor in his old country.
Witness had been working at Coryell all fall and was working there on Tuesday last. That
night after work he did his cooking and then retired in an upstairs room with his partner
Eli, who had a clock. He may have gone downstairs in the night, but did not think so. He
had not heard that train got through to Nelson.
He had been awakened early in the morning by the boss and all the section crew were
taken to Farron from Coryell on a gasoline speeder. He saw below Farron a passenger
coach which had been blown up and which was afire. He saw several bodies but all were
covered up. He had seen Peter Verigin's body before it was placed on the train and after
it was on the train.
At Farron he had seen Annastasia, the niece of Peter Verigin. She was crying. He got on
the car to look at Peter Verigin's body, but had been ordered away by the people there,
who believed themselves higher ups.
He did not know anything about the accident. He never had been in Trail, but knew
several Doukhobors in Rossland. "Peter Verigin is like Jesus I would like to see a man
hanged if he killed Peter," said Simeon.
He knew the man who had set fire to the School in Grand Forks.
At that time he was in New Westminster working on the colony farm. He had spent lots
of time in jail. He had been jailed after failing to get free land where he could do as he
pleased. He was at one time in California and was in jail there. He had been employed
there in a lumber yard. They did not pay him so he went to jail to get something to eat.
He admitted stripping naked once in Vancouver and had been sent to jail for that. He
had never been naked at Grand Forks, but had paraded in Saskatchewan.
The first time that he had stripped himself, was with two other men in the Vancouver
station. The next time was in Victoria when he went to church.
Simeon stated that he had on several occasions received money from Peter Verigin.
Verigin had given him $150. but for what purpose it was not disclosed.
Simeon stated that he always wore his oranges on his head. He had been questioned on
a train by a Doukhobor named Lazareff about the oranges.
He replied that he had 21 oranges on his head. These represented three oranges for
each day of seven in the week, one orange for every meal in the day.
Lazareff. who had asked him about the oranges, said that it was nutty and foolish, for
him to wear oranges. Simeon had replied that the crown of oranges represented God.
He again replied that it was foolishness.
Verigin had never struck him, stated the czar. He had at one time lifted him up bodily,
but had never struck him. "Peter Verigin licked another man, but not me," he said. This
man was Eli Mazloff another "Czar of Heaven," at Grand Forks. When questioned if he
was a Bolshevist Simeon declared that he didn't understand. He refused to answer if he
had committed any criminal offenses in Russia.
Following his release from jail he doffed his crown of oranges and departed toward the
independent Doukhobor colony here.
Source: "Orange Man Had Dreams of Peters Death," Nelson Daily News, November 8,
1924.
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Deputy Chief James Johnston Speech Re: Doukhobor Problem, circa 1955
You will recollect that Peter's wife and son, Peter, visited Canada in 1905. Peter wanted
his son to go to work but Peter the Second had other ideas. All he wanted to do was
drink, gamble and Carouse. Peter the elder finally became fed-up with the situation and
ordered his wife and son to return to Russia which they did but harboring a deep
resentment against Peter. The younger Peter was smart enough to realize what a fine
business his father directed and being possessed of great ambition, he looked forward to
the day when he would succeed to his father's power. This opportunity presented itself
following Peter's death at 1:00 a.m., October 29th, 1924, at Farron, B.C. This
Company's Train # 11 (the Kettle Valley Express) had just pulled away from Farron
Station — 23 miles west of Castlegar — when a very loud explosion occurred in day
coach 1586. The blast was centered about the middle of the couch on the South side
and was of such force as to hurl the roof of the car 100 feet away. There were 23
passengers in the coach, of whom 4 were instantly killed and 5 others died on the way
to hospitals at Grand Forks and Nelson. The blast occurred immediately behind the seat
occupied by Peter Verigin and Mary Strelaeff. In addition to those killed, 11 others were
injured.
Fire broke out in Coach 1586 right after the explosion but prompt action by the train
crew, who cut off the sleeper behind the coach, pulled ahead about 350 feet, then cut
off the burning day coach by itself, saved the remainder of the train. The first police
officer at the scene was Constable E. J. House of the C.P.R. Investigation Department
Nelson. House was no Sherlock Holmes but he conducted a painstaking search of the
entire area and succeeded in finding, about 50 feet up the hillside to the north of the
tracks, part of a dry cell battery with an extremely unusual terminal, in that a piece of
tin was soldered on to the zinc wall. House also found the works of an alarm clock which
had a piece of copper wire attached to the wheel that regulates the hour hand. The
condition of both these indicated pieces of evidence they had been through fire and
explosion. Two inquests were held early in November, 1924. one at Nelson and one at
Grand Forks. The verdicts in each instance were almost identical — 'The above named
persons came to their deaths at about 1:00 a.m., on the 29th of October, 1924, one
mile West of Farron, as a result of the discharge of a high explosive placed within
Passenger coach 1586 on the Canadian Pacific Railway, by some person or persons
unknown. We strongly urge the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Provincial authorities to
continue their efforts to definitely place responsibility for the disaster.' These verdicts
are of the utmost importance to us because immediately following Peter's death,
rumours were circulating amongst the Doukhobors that the Government, with the
connivance of the CPR had murdered Peter. These unfounded rumours persist to this day
in the Kootenays. Only last year a painted canvas banner. depicting the Farron blast,
was carried at the head of a Doukhobor nude parade in Grand Forks.
You can well imagine that an extremely intensive investigation was carried out in
connection with the Farron disaster and much interesting information was compiled but
never enough evidence upon which to base a prosecution. I think I can safely tell you
now — 30 years after the event — that we are almost sure we know who made the time
bomb used in that explosion. He was an itinerant watch repairer of several aliases, who
arrived in Canada on a Soviet passport from Japan about 1923. He traveled amongst the
Doukhobor community's in the Kootenays and the day before the Farron blast, he was in
Brilliant where Peter had boarded Train 11. This travelling tradesman returned to Russia
via Japan in 1930 and has not been heard of since. There is a large group of well
informed persons who lean strongly to the opinion that Peter's death was plotted in
Russia with a view to replacing him as leader of the Doukhobors by his ne'er-do-well
son, Peter Petrovich Verigin. In any case, Peter the Second, with his mother, arrived in
Canada in the fall of 1927 and he at once took over his father's mantle of leadership.[...]
Source: James R. Johnston, Speech by James R. Johnston Regarding the "Doukhobor

Problem",, March 1, 1956.
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Suspect Evidence: The Governments of Canada and British Columbia
In the quarter century following the very welcome arrival of the Doukhobors, Canadian
politicians and government officials and their provincial counterparts must frequently
have regretted the winter morning in 1899 when these Russian immigrants stepped
ashore in Halifax. British Columbia Premier John Oliver would put this view succinctly to
the Canadian minister of immigration in 1925: “From the very first they [the
Doukhobors] have been a source of trouble.” Did this antipathy towards the Doukhobors
and Verigin extend to wanting to see Verigin dead? To actively plotting his death?
Certainly some Doukhobors believed this at the time of Verigin’s death. In an open letter
to the government of British Columbia on November 5, 1924, just days after Verigin’s
death, Anastasia Holobova made exactly that accusation on behalf of the members of
the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood: “you have ravished our great
wrestler. … Our opinion [is] that you have destroyed Mr. Verigin with intention to
squelch the Community.” Interviewed in 1965 by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers
vainly trying to revive a forty-year-old cold case, Anastasia would repeat the same
charge, and that view would persist among Doukhobors for years afterward. Did some
level of government in Canada plot and carry out Verigin’s assassination?
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Account of George. G. Zebroff
MR. McINTOSH: “AN ACCOUNT OF A PERSONAL WITNESS OF THE EVENT OF PETER W.

LORDLY’S ASSASSINATION, TAKEN FROM THE PERSON WHO HAPPENED TO BE
TRAVELLING IN THE SAME COACH WITH PETIUSHKA.
‘. . . Peter the Lordly was killed by the hand of a villain who placed under His seat an
infernal mechanized bomb which shattered the innocent body of the Holy Wrestler. May
God forgive him! [...]
Petiushka sat down at the end of the coach and had Maria F. Strel’aeva sit alongside of
himself [...] I (was) with my companion at the other end of the coach. My companion
sat down by the wall, I sat beside him. After some distance (of travelling) the conductor
came in and began checking the passengers. Coming up to Petiushka, and seeing him
half asleep, he stopped in front of him and says: ‘Mr. Verigin, are you sleepy? Please
take the liberty to go to the sleeping compartment, there you will be able to rest!’
Petiushka refused, saying: ‘I’m not sleepy.’ The conductor goes away. After half-an-hour
the conductor returns and again checks the people, but didn’t approach anyone. When
coming to where Petishka was sitting he again addresses him in the same manner, but
with greater insistence requesting that he move over to the sleeping compartment.
Petiushka outrightly refuses. The conductor leaves. After another half-hour he comes
back again, I looked at him and saw something unusual: he held in his hands some kind
of an object which he was waving with. I felt cold shivers running over me. I began
poking my companion and saying to him: hey, don’t sleep, something is going on in our
coach: the conductor is waving with some kind of a stick; such a stick I saw in the hands
of doctors when performing operation. But my companion only continued snoring, asking
not to be disturbed. When the conductor passed through all of the coach, all of the
passengers were weighed down into speedy slumber, and all talk subsided. I myself felt
going into a half-sleeping condition, but something disturbed me very much, and
somehow I withheld myself from complete oblivion. I began forcing open my lowering
eye-lids, and through the tears I observed a person dressed in some kind of woven
cloth, in the shape of a wide coat coming in proximity of Petiushka, bending over him,
looking him directly in the face to see if he was sleeping or not . . . and then he quickly
placed a small suit-case under his seat – and left. Here I appealed to my companion not
to sleep but to find out what was happening, and I poked him in the side. The
companion, however, didn’t have the energy to overcome the stupefying drowsiness
which was not natural, but was induced ‘chloroform’ by which the conductor caused the
passengers to fall asleep so that no one would be able to see what will be happening to
Verigin.
Passing the station of Farron, the train slackened speed. The tail engine held up – so to
speak – the hind part of the train, while the one in front pulled the fore part. The coach
in which Petiushka sat, and also we, was in between. With difficulty I kept myself from
falling asleep, gathering all my energy to overcome the unnatural tendency toward
sleep. However, I failed to comprehend the satanic design; all I heard was the people
snoring and once in a while, through the oncoming tears, I saw Petiuhka in a sleeping
pose, and Maria reclining against his breast. In this position their souls were rendered to
God.
All of a sudden there was a crashing noise: in the beginning of the entire spectral
phenomena, I heard Petiushka’s voice saying: ‘Lord forbid! Lord forbid!’ – and then
everything was quiet. Only the crackling of the flame of fire was making a terrible roar.
‘We are alive yet’ was how I felt, and under the impact of such a terribly deafening roar
my companion woke up and, being still in our mind, (we) sprang forward toward the
doors, wishing to escape as soon as possible, in which we didn’t succeed: the doors were
locked. Here I remembered: the conductor was rattling with his keys . . . I then sprang
towards a window, attempting to crawl out, which was very hard to do, but I had to
make it. ‘O yes, to climb out I did, but how was I do drop myself down?’ – I thought to
myself. The coach was gently rolling. . . The dark of the night concealed in the ravine all
the places where it was possible to lower oneself down to a safe place. But to ruminate
upon such apprehension there wasn’t time. I jumped blindly and hit with my spine
against the wall of a rock, falling between the rock and the wheels of the coach, where I
laid in a bent position. The coach dragged me forward, while my spine was against the
rock, undergoing a bending experience to such a degree that I thought I would be
broken-up altogether. But I survived, perhaps for the end that I be able to convey a
message to the world. My companion too, followed me out.
When I walked out to the elevation where the passengers were already standing, I
observed how the operators of the machine ran from place to place as if searching for
something.” [...]
“I saw how they ran to the level below the railway track, and locating something, began
striking at it. Then it was I guessed, they were searching for Petiushka and when finding
him, probably saw he was still alive, and to be sure he died, were finishing him off.
Seeing me, the conductors came up, took a hold of me and began shaking me in all
directions asking me: ‘Where are you from? What did you see?’ I said, Yes, I saw
everything and know how this happened. They began to shake me around so that I
almost collapsed completely, and all the time they kept asking: ‘Did you see? Did you
see? . . . ‘ Then I caught on they were determined to destroy me. I pretended to black-
out, asking them to please tell me where I was and what was happening to me. Then
they decided I was normally (?) sick and despatched me, along with the wounded ones,
to the hospital in Grand Forks where I didn’t stay very long. There they tried to treat me
with some kind of medicines. I refused them, saying: there is nothing wrong with my
stomach, only my back is all scratched up. The nurses insisted that I drink the medicine;
I asked for clear water, and with that I declined. And while there I was much subjected
to interrogation as to what I had seen and what I can say about the train catastrophe
after I would leave the hospital. I categorically denied all indications that I had seen
anything. And under those conditions they allowed me to leave.
And now I can freely pass on to the people that, what I saw.” [...]
MRS. ASTAFOROFF: (through Mr. McIntosh):

“Praise the Lord! The Holy Prophet Petushka the Lordly was killed by the authorities of
the Canadian law in a spirit of enmity, under the heavens. Lordly was an emissary, a
Holy Emissary for the sacred cause -- and for this sacred cause he was killed. We, who
have signed below firmly believe this person Grigorii Zebroff, or George Zebroff, that he
spoke the truth as to how Lordly was killed. Grigorii Grigorivich Zebroff, or George G.
Zebroff, was travelling in the train in the same coach with Petushka Lordly and with
Maria – “
MR. McINTOSH: It says here “Maria Khrestova”?
MR. PODOVINIKOFF: Meaning “of Christ.”
MRS. ASTAFOROFF: (through Mr. McIntosh)
“With Maria of Christ on the day on which they were killed. Grigorii remained alive and
told my father [of Mary Astaroroff] --” [...]
MR. McINTOSH: “And many others. Exactly how -- exactly as is written here. And we
remember because this was many times repeated by Grigorii. He told father, and father
others in our presence about this and it was spoken of day and night at that time and
people even up to this day remember.”
Signed:
“Masha Grigorevna Astaforoff.” Or, “Mary G. Astaforoff.” [and 37 others]
Source: Kootenay Commitee on Intergroup Relations, Account of George G.

Zebroff(Castlegar, B.C.: , June 19, 1985), 3-15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPEN LETTER FROM THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD TO THE
GOVERNMENT
November 5th, 1924.
Open Letter to the Government of the Province of British Columbia.

— from Anastasia F. Holubova and all the members of the Christian Community of
Universal Brotherhood.
It is my opinion as well as all members of our Community that you have ravished our
great wrestler. It is proved by your threaten which was expressed openly by Judge
Morrison in the Court at Nelson on October 8th and shortly after that a tragical death of
Peter Lordly happened early Wednesday morning on October 29th 1924 on C.P.R. train
near Farron; B.C. The attempt was made on his life by Evil-Doer intentionally. Our
opinion that you have destroyed Mr. Verigin with intention to squelch the Community, as
Justice Morrison has frankly displayed his attitude at the bench of the Court. He stated
to the jury that they were in British Columbia and that the Doukhobor Community meant
nothing to them. In fact the following is his exact words: "The sooner that it
(Community) was-squelched the better."
You thought that you would squelch our Community, but we will say that you will never
squelch it. The authorities similar to you thought when they would kill the Christ His
Glory and teaching would be vanished, but Christ had seeded his seeds on earth and it
began to multiply. Same thing applies to our Community which will exist forever.
Although you are unable to raise Mr. Verigin from death, but we put on you a fine of
responsibility as he was our great irreparable leader maintained us as his children. At
the present time we remain similar to small children without parents, which children are
unable to obtain maintenance, because they are small. Consequently we file a heavy
claim against you for the body of Mr. Verigin but for his irreparable intellectual faculties.
We feel that you have destroyed Mr. Verigin with intention that will enable you to in
easiest way to squelch Ideal of Holy Community.
No doubt that you remember about three years ago when Mr. Verigin published in Press
that the Doukhobors will throw their children and elderly ones into the river, but this was
just a parable. It is possible the Government will throw children and elder's instead of
Peter Verigin, and now the time is approached because if the Government will insist
upon selling our property for. Tax purposes the prophecy will be fulfilled — the children,
old and weak ones will be compelled to jump into the river in reality. Our refusal for
none payment of Taxes is on account of we are unable to do so for the reason that the
Government has not paid our Community for building of roads and bridges for which we
are pending your final decision and settlement. We beg to repeat once more that we are
claiming against you not for the body of Mr. Verigin but for his intellectual faculties. who
maintained us in every respect. GLORY TO GOD.
Source: Selkirk College Special Collections, KCIR Cabinet, , Anastasia F. Holubova,

Open Letter from Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood to BC Government,
November 5, 1924.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOUKHOBOR BOY ACQUITTED OF SERIOUS CHARGE
HOOLIAFF FREED AFTER JURY OUT BUT FIVE MINUTES ON VERDICT JUDGE CHARGES IN FAVOR OF
ACCUSED CHARGE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BROUGHT: SCORES DOUKHOBOR OFFICIALS
John Hooliaff, 19-year-old Doukhobor youth, of Brilliant, and former member of the
Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, and charged with causing grievous
bodily harm to John Obetkoff on February 9 ... when he attacked Obetkoff with a scythe,
was yesterday morning acquitted by the jury after a deliberation of five minutes. ...
Hooliaff, a 19-year-old Doukhobor born in Saskatchewan, was living with his father in
the Brilliant community. He had expressed a desire to leave the community. On the day
that he was to leave three community officials, John Obetkoff, Koozma Pereversiff and
Stephen Kinakin went to Hooliaff’s father’s house and attacked the boy because he had
not paid into the community ... Mr. Justice Morrison stated to the jury that the crown
had practically no case and that if anyone should have been charged, it should have
been the three officials. ...
Source: "Squelch Community Says Judge, 1924," Nelson Daily News, October 9, 1924.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROF. MAVOR ON THE DOUKHOBORS
To the Editor of the Globe: I have this morning received the following telegram:
"We the Doukhobors in British Columbia are still mourning the untimely tragical death of
our beloved leader, Peter Lordly Veregin, and are praying daily to God asking him to
help us in this hard time, but the Government of British Columbia not recognizing the
sad situation of Doukhobors, are taking very cruel measures to compel our children to
attend schools. They have already started to ruin our property, which is already in
critical condition by seizing our chattels, including provisions and even kitchen utensils
to satisfy fines imposed on us by the Government. We humbly ask you in the name of
Jesus Christ to use your influence among the Canadian people to stop this disgraceful
action which is out of place in this civilized free country. Relying on your kindness and
thanking you in advance for the help you will give us. (Signed) "The Christian
Community of Universal Brotherhood, Ltd."
It is difficult to resist this naive and moving appeal. About a week ago I received a letter
of which the following is an extract:
"Victoria, B.C., March 31, 1925: I wish you were here to help me in my struggle for fair
treatment of the Doukhobors in B.C. by the B.C. Government. Because the Doukhobors
have no votes, they treat them scandalously. I find it very trying on my peace of mind
and sense of justice as an Englishman.. (Signed) F.W. Godsal."
I received also a letter dated Dec. 3, 1924, from a correspondent describing a visit to
the Doukhobor settlement immediately after the death of Peter Veregin. "We were
charmed with the Doukhobors and with their extreme kindness and hospitality. It always
does me much good, bodily, mentally and spiritually, to be with these good people. I
know nothing like it in this corrupt world. Many of the men speak English so perfectly
and dress like us, that they do not appear like Russians or foreigners, they might pass
for English. The children are sweet and well brought up. The only thing that mars one's
pleasure in them is the scandalous way they are treated and misunderstood and robbed
by the B.C. Government and officials, even Judges, who ought to know better, but I
suppose, not being Christians themselves, excepting in name, they cannot appreciate
pure Christianity — probably the purest on earth in a large community — when they run
against it."
I am not aware of the special circumstances of the moment which led to the incidents
mentioned in the telegram of today, but I know that for a long time the B.C.
Government has been harassing the Doukhobors; has done its utmost to break up their
community; has repudiated its obligations to them (it owes them $150,000 for road-
making and bridge building, which it refuses or delays to pay); it refuses to place the
names of eligible Doukhobors, who have been long in this country upon the register of
voters; it forces upon them schools under circumstances in which it would not dare to
force schools upon other settlers. In general, the BC Government reminds the
Doukhobors irresistibly of the Kurdish bandits who used, in the Caucasus, to swoop
down upon their villages and carry off their goods and chattels. So far as the
consequences to the Doukhobors are concerned, they might as well be at the mercy of
the savage Kurds as at the mercy of the Government of British Columbia.
When a Government descends to sacking the houses of the citizens and to plundering
them of their pots and pans, it has surely reached the last plane of infamy.
The Doukhobors have complained, among other things, that there is no discipline in the
schools in British Columbia, and this complaint is amply sustained by other residents in
that Province. The Doukhobors consider that their children were being spoiled by the
schools and that their family life and the characters of their children were running the
risk of ruin. They were, therefore, anxious that their children should be taught otherwise
than in public institutions, where the influences were objectionable and dangerous.
Neither the people of British Columbia nor the Canadian people in general can afford to
treat any group of citizens in such a way as to forfeit the respect of the civilized world.
At this moment the Provincial Governments are perilously near forfeiting that respect
upon numerous other grounds. A few more public scandals in the Provinces and there
must arise an irresistible demand for the curtailment of the powers of the Provincial
Governments and Legislatures, otherwise the general credit of the Dominion must
disappear.
James Mavor.
145 Isabella St., April 14
Source: Prime Minister's Office, "Prof. Mavor on the Doukhobors," Globe and Mail, April
16, 1925. Notes: Page 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suspect Evidence: The Ku Klux Klan
Canadians who looked down on anyone who wasn’t born in the country, known as
nativists, certainly existed before the Doukohors arrived in 1899, but in the years
following nativist hatred burned more intensely. A country that prided itself on its
Britishness saw a massive influx of people from eastern and southern Europe, India and
China in the early 1900s. More than a few people in the host community resented it, and
those in Western Canada particularly resented the Doukhobors, who insisted on keeping
their own distinct culture. In parts of British Columbia, locals began to label the
newcomers “Douks,” while calling themselves “white men.” World War One, 1914-1918,
only raised the level of antagonism. As a condition of them coming to Canada, the
federal government had exempted Doukhobors from military service. But Union-Jack
waving Canadians resented what they saw as cowards and shirkers who benefited from
the wartime economic boom. World War One also brought on the Bolshevik revolution in
Russia. Now ethnic discrimination was compounded by suspicion of these Russian
immigrants gathered into their commune. Were they just disguised Bolsheviks? Nativism
also meshed perfectly with the message of the Ku Klux Klan. It had roots in the racist
environment of post-Civil War America, but by the early 1920s Canada also saw Klan
recruiting drives, and the name itself had come to convey a violent message. A news
article from Grand Forks in March 1925 declared that “citizens are talking of Klan
methods” following school fires that were linked to Doukhobors. Angry enough to
threaten “Klan methods” in March1925, had some British Columbians been agitated
enough to use “Klan methods” in October 1924 against Verigin?
Verigin’s purchase of land in Oregon in January 1924 focused much attention on the
prospect of a mass exodus of Doukhobors from B.C. to the US northwest. The KKK,
present in a small way in Canada, had considerable influence in Oregon in the 1920s.
Were Klansmen deeply enough opposed to such a migration that they would kill Verigin?
And were their methods consistent with the use of a sophisticated bomb to kill a political
opponent?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter from Mayor of Grand Forks to the Attorney General
GRAND FORKS, B.C.
April 16th, 1923.
Hon. A.M. Manson,

Attorney-General,
Victoria, B.C.
Honourable Sir:--
At a Special Meeting held by the Police Commissioners at Grand Forks on Friday April
13th, 1923, called to consider ways and means of dealing with the existing menace
being created by a section of the Doukhobor Community residing on lands known as part
of the Graham Ranch, situate on the North Fork of the Kettle River, comprising some
thirteen acres and situate some five miles from the City of Grand Forks, such lands, the
Commissioners understand to have been set aside for these people by the Community,
for the purpose of isolating these fanatics from the main Colony:
It was unanimously resolved to present for your consideration and attention as

Attorney-General, together with the Government with which you are associated, the
following facts, with a view to obtaining, on the part of yourself and that of your
colleagues, that co-operation and support towards the prevention and effective dealing
in the case of similar recurrences. The Commissioners regret to state, in their opinion
(which is shared generally by all public bodies and organizations) that such assistance
and sympathy in our difficulties have not been shown by yourself as Attorney-General,
or by those members of the Government with which you are associated:
THAT there is, apparently, a determined intention on the part of these people to force
themselves upon the observance of the citizens of Grand Forks and District in a NUDE
condition, the Commissioners would particularly bring to your attention some particulars
of the following occurrences;
(1)Recently one of these people wandered as far as the Catholic Church and was
detected in the act of removing all his clothes during devotional services:
(2)On another occasion a member of this same Colony got as far as the Public School in
a NUDE state, on a Sunday afternoon, at a when numbers of young children were on
their way to Sunday School:
(3)On March 26th members of this colony visited Outlook School and attempted arson,
one member at present being confined in Nelson Jail, awaiting trial:
(4)On March 31st some eight men and three women in a NUDE state got within one
block of the Public School, with the evident intention of intercepting a funeral ceremony
being held that afternoon and again at a time when there were several children on the
street;
(5)On April 11th some six men and three women visited the Public School and
interrupted the work of the teacher in the classroom, by their presence, refusing to
leave when requested to do so by the Principal. These people absolutely refused to leave
the building, throwing themselves upon their faces on the floors of the corridors, and
again on the lawn outside. Finally they had to be lifted bodily and placed in a truck and
conveyed outside the City limits. The physical effect upon the minds, and the fear from
the thought of possible recurrence is hard to calculate, certainly not conducive to
progress:
THAT no doubt can be entertained of the insanity of these people in the directions
outlined, their continual presence being a menace to our Citizens with whom they come
in contact:
THAT from a human and Christian aspect, these people of insane tendencies and with
childish minds, it would appear that the only way of effectively dealing with the problem,
would be to have those members of pronounced fanatical tendency committed to an
asylum for the insane.
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Government of British Columbia be requested to

take immediate action with a view to securing due enforcement of the laws, to assert
that control over these people which is necessary to their welfare and render to the
people of Grand Forks and District, that as istance in the enforcement of our laws,
together with a more sympathetic and co-operative action in the steps already taken
toward this end, with a view to preventing similar recurrences and dispel the impression
so widely prevailing, that the Government of British Columbia is absolutely indiffere A
and apathetic regarding the situation existing between these people and the Citizens of
this District.
Yours very truly,

Geo. H. Hall,
Mayor.
Source: unknown, , , George H. Hall, Letter from Mayor of Grand Forks to the Attorney
General, April 16, 1923.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter from Mar Edwards to the Premier
South Slocan. March 10, 1925,
To the Honorable John Oliver, Premier, Victoria B.C.
Sir,
I have been asked by a number of working stiffs the same as myself to write you and
express our unqualified approval of the stand taken by you at Grand Forks on your
recent visit there on the Doukhobor question. We would respectfully urge you to take a
firm stand and bring these people to time not only on the school question but compel
them to comply with the marriage and divorce laws also on the registration of births and
death laws. We feel that it is sufficient injustice to compel us to compete with them in
the labor market as we have to do without having to listen to their mockery of Canadian
laws and customs. Personally I wouldn't own land in their immediate vicinity.
They are not citizens, never will be and have not the slightest notion of complying with
any Canadian law that they can by any means flout. I know this people since the first
day they landed in Western Canada and I can't see that they have made the slightest
advance toward Canadian citizenship. You took the only right stand and we sincerly hope
you will follow it through to the creidt of your Government and those who had faith
enough in you to back you with their votes. As matters stand now with all this school
burning etc. going on I for one won't take any chances with any of these fanatics
wandering on to any premises. I dont have any truck with them to give them an excuse
for trespassing and will hang them of lively if they do. With the amount of rope they
have been given for some years it is no wonder they gave grown bold. Here is a clipping
from the Nelson Daily News I have enclosed. In all probability you have already seen it.
Yours truly,
Mar Edwards
South Slocan.
B.C.
Source: BC Archives, GR 441, Vol 246, File #7, Mar Edwards, March 10, 1925 Letter
from Mar Edwards to the Premier, March 10, 1925.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATIVE SONS OF CANADA LETTER
GRAND PRESIDENTGRAND SECRETARY

COL. DONALD McGUGANROBT. D. MACLACHLAN
GRAND TREASURER ARTHUR C. PIKE416 PEMBERTON BLDG
VICTORIA. B.C.
GRAND COUNCIL
Native Sons of Canada
(CANADA LETTERS PATENT 1922)
P. O. BOX 903
VICTORIA, B. C.
April 5, 1925.
The Honourable The Premier,

Victoria, B.C.
Dear Sir -
Following is copy of a resolution passed by Cranbrook Assembly No.22 on recent

meeting, for your information, please.
RESOLUTION
“WHEREAS, in the matter of administration of educational affairs in the Province of

British Columbia, it has become known to the Assembly, No.22, Native Sons of Canada,
that a certain element in the population of this Province has become suspected of being
antagonistic to, and, apparently, is using unlawful means of interfereing with the proper
administration of general educational problems insofar as the peculiar beliefs of this
element is concerned to the extent that teachers and officers are unable to properly
function, as such, and, further, that school buildings are being burned — evidently as a
direct result of such antagonism;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Assembly No.22, Native Sons of Canada, place
itself on record and solicit the cooperation of the Grand Council towards impressing upon
the Government of British Columbia the necessity of prompt and strict administration of
the existing laws in regard to exucation, regardless of whom it may displease.”
Yours truly,
(signed) Robt. D. MacLachlan

Grand Secretary
RDM/BM .
Source: BC Archives, GR 441, Vol. 246, File 7 Premier 1925 Doukhobors, , Robin N.
MachLachlan, "Letter From Native Sons Of Canada," April 5, 1925.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOUKHOBOR CHIEF IN CITY - COLONIZATION NOT PLANNED
Any fears that a colony of naked savages will leap out from behind the big trees of Lane
county to amaze the inhabitants of the county were dispelled today by Peter Verigan,
president of the great Canadian colony of the much-talked-about Doukhobors.
In the first place, says Verigan, the Doukhobors are not coming to America. In the
second place, he adds, they do wear clothes, and in most ways are just normal, healthy,
industrious human beings, who have been much misrepresented.
The rumor that the Doukhobors were going to give up their Canadian colony to settle
here, it is thought, grew out of the purchase, six months ago, of 875 acres of land in
Lane county. Verigan bought the land, he said, partly as an investment and partly as an
agricultural experiment, for he thought his people would be able to raise crops on it. He
settled a family of five persons on it, and that family is the extent of the Oregon
“colonization.”
“You may say flatly,” he said, through his interpreter, “that we do not intend to settle in
America. We have some $8,000,000 or $9,000,000 invested in Canada. That is our
home. We are satisfied there, and the people seem to like us.”
Discussing the rumor that the Doukhobors do not wear clothes, he laughed, and branded
it as absurd. He said that many years ago four or five fanatics among the organization
propounded the theory to that effect and were expelled from the colony when they tried
to put it in practice.
“We are generally said to be the best farmers in the world,” he said. “We work
industriously, and know how to make our work bring forth crops.
“Our children go to the Canadian public schools. We have no schools of our own. We are
Christians, the same as you are. We are only different from other people in that we do
not believe in eating meat. We are vegetarians. We believe it wrong to kill – to kill any
living thing. We do not use whiskey. Neither do we use tobacco.”
Verigan is the president of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, which is

the legal name of the Doukhobors’ organization. The Canadian colony is scattered in
three main groups. One group raises from 80 to 90 bushels of oats to the acre in
Saskatchewan. Another tills the soil in Alberta and forces it to yield from 30 to 40
bushels of wheat. A third has 4000 acres of fruits in British Columbia.
The organization operates four lumber mills, has a packing plant in British Columbia
which ships and sells to the public some five carloads of jam daily during the fruit
season.
The company colonized in Canada 30 years ago, and was financed by the Quakers,
Verigan says. The Doukhobors originally came from Russia, which is the language
Verigan speaks. With Verigan in Portland is his business representative, Edward Graf of
Monroe, Or.
Verigan plans to leave late today to return to Canada. He was in conference with the
Guaranty Trust company officials while here, and exhibited to them, the officials say,
letters from the Canadian premier and from bankers of Canada, to the effect that the
organization is one of thrifty, industrious people who are regarded as good citizens of
Canada.
Source: Doukhobor Chief in City , Oregon Daily Journal, August 15, 1924.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suspect Evidence: The Soviet Government
Both the Doukhobors and the Bolsheviks were persecuted by the Tsarist government –
the former because of their religion, the latter because of their politics. When the Tsarist
government was overthrown in February 1917 and the Bolsheviks, with their own
version of communism as a guiding principle, came to power in Russia in October of that
year, the situation seemed ripe for the two groups to work together. A number of
Doukhobors were either dissatisfied with life in Canada or convinced that their true
home still lay in Russia. And for their part, the beleaguered Bolsheviks needed every
assistance they could get. Thus it was no surprise that some Doukhobors visited Russia
to scout out the prospects of re-establishing life under the new regime. Although it was
exclusively Independent Doukhobors who made the return journey, even Doukhobors
inside the commune looked with interest to what those emissaries reported about life in
Soviet Russia. And the Soviets welcomed the prospect of a mass re-emigration of people
of Russian culture who were also adept at modern farming methods. Since the
Community Doukhobors were also familiar with operating an agricultural commune, they
were especially welcome.
But Verigin stood in the way. Initially enthusiastic about the new system in Russia after
the first revolution brought in the Provisional Government, Verigin made an offer to
move all the Doukhobors, including the Independents, back to Mother Russia. But the
Provisional Government survived mere months, and it was clear that Vladimir Lenin, the
new Soviet leader, did not share the same view of communism as Verigin. Verigin
argued that the country must abolish military service, destroy all fortifications and
become neutral. The Soviets saw nothing but primitive utopianism in these ideas.
So Verigin’s suggestion to lead the Doukhobors home to Russia dissolved, even though
the Soviet government remained keen on attracting Doukhobors back. Did this give the
Soviet government a motive to want to kill Verigin in order to eliminate the hurdles to a
return of the Doukhobors? Or to kill him for daring to speak out against the Soviet
system? Or to kill him in order to convince the Doukhobors that they were unwelcome in
Canada and thus drive them back into the arms of Mother Russia? More than 60 years
later, a Soviet plot still had currency among some Doukhobors.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kootenay Committee on Intergroup Relations, Volume LXXXIV
SESSION RESUMED
MR. BOURNE: Perhaps we could concentrate for the next little while on the first two
theories that we grouped. The first one that the Government was responsible for Peter
the Lordly's death. And the second that the death was caused by Bolshevik conspiracy
aided by certain Doukhobors in Canada. It's obvious and particularly obvious because of
the statement which was tabled this morning that a large number of Doukhobors have
always believed that the Government was responsible for Peter the Lordly's death. I
guess you could say there were a number of reasons for this. One, that the police were
not able very quickly to arrest and charge the person responsible. You could argue that
they obviously weren't able to do that because they were in the conspiracy, being part of
the Government, or you could argue that they weren't able to do this because it was not
possible to obtain the information from the Doukhobor Community, particularly from
those who did know something about it. It doesn't surprise me if that is true and you've
heard in the CPR report read yesterday that the standard response from Doukhobors
who were interviewed by the police was, "I just can't say, I just can't say." It does not
surprise me that the Doukhobor community would be very reluctant to say anything
about something as horrendous as the death of their leader.
The other theory that in fact it was the Bolsheviks that did this. We did read a reference
in which Peter Chistiakov said that it was very much to the advantage of the Bolsheviks,
and those Canadian Doukhobors who were working with them, to make sure that the
people believed that the government was responsible. This, in modern day language, is
known as disinformation, the spreading of false information about serious events. [...]
So, you could argue perhaps as you subscribed to the Bolshevik theory that their
disinformation program was very successful in that they were able to persuade the
Doukhobor people that it was the Government and therefore removed the blame from
themselves.
I'm not dismissing the other three theories that the non-Doukhobor, non-Government,
the accidental one and the fifth that I've -- it's escaped me for a minute. But let's just
try and concentrate on those two for the time being in order to keep this discussion in
perspective. [...]
Source: Kootenay Committee on Intergroup Relations, "Kootenay Committee on

Intergroup Relations, Volume LXXXIV" (: , n.d.), 2-4.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RCMP Report Re: Bolshevik Agitation Amongst Doukhobors
SECRET.
Ottawa Ref. No. 24 D 376 J 7
S.S.D. Ref. No. 212- 316
Yorkton, Saskn., Jan. 16th., 1925.
CRIME REPORT
Re: — Explosion on C.P.R. Train, Farron, B.C.
Bolshevik Agitation among the Doukhobors.

Referring to the above, I have to report that I proceeded to Canora, and Kamsack, on
the 12th to the 15th., inst., and went into this matter as thoroughly as possible. [...]
I understand that a large implement (farm) company in the U.S.A were prepared to
finance a trek of these people to Russia in the following manner, as Russia did not want
them without farm equipment; the implement company would arrange for the sale of
their (Doukhobor) lands here and fit them out with agricultural machinery and ship them
to Russia, the Soviet Govt. would on their arrival allocate to them land and houses etc.,
taking a chattel mortgage on the implements etc., in return for payment in produce by
the Doukhobors of rent etc., the chattel mortgage idea apparently frightened the
Doukhobors and the scheme did not go through.
Victor Kaft was very active in endeavoring to bring both of these schemes to a
successful conclusion, he is no doubt a Soviet Govt., agent, nationality is Georgian, he
arrived in Kamsack sometime in 1918, is an educated traveled man and appears to be
fairly well supplied with funds, although not living in any way extravagantly, he dress in
Russian style this is a pose to appeal to the Doukhobor. I have known the man
personally since 1920, having used him on odd occasions as an interpreter in Police
court work and have purposely cultivated his acquaintance on my visits to Kamsack
which were quite frequent about two years ago in connection with Inland Revenue work;
I believe that he vas the subject of a personal history file by this Force and whilst not
personally investigating this man's activities I have always pumped him as far as
possible in a casual manner as to his activities for my own particular information for
possible future use.
On arriving at Kamsack on the 13th., inst., I put my self in the way of meeting him. Kaft
proposing a game of bridge with two others, after which I engaged him in conversation
and in a casual way brought up the subject of the Doukhobors, indulging in a
philosophical discussion with him as to the future of these people, amongst other things
he told me that the Soviet Govt., at Moscow did not know of the actual whereabouts of
Peter Verigin Jr., who was recently elected as leader of the Doukhobors in Canada and
arrangements for whose arrival in Canada is now being made by the Russian authorities
as a result of solicitations in this regard made by the Community Doukhobors in Canada,
he thinks that after arrival here Peter Verigin will if he likes conditions in this country
endeavour to bring the balance of his adherents in Russia estimated to be about two
thousand, but there is a very great possibility of course of the Soviet Govt.. possibly
refusing him re-entry as the particular brand of community life induced in by the
Doukhobor is not quite on all fours with the Communism practiced by the Russian Govt.,
the religious side of the Doukhobor life conflicting to some extent. I gathered from Kaft
that the Doukhobors generally are very interested in the attitude the Dept. of
Immigration may take with regard to the entry into this country of Peter Verigin, he says
that when the Moscow authorities finally located Verigin he was found to be in jail where
he had been placed by some local authority as a result of claiming to be a saint, the
soviet authorities with the rather brutal cynicism at time displayed by them said that if
Verigin was a saint, the incarceration would not inconvenience him very much as he
would no doubt exercise his supernatural power as a saint and be relieved of any
inconvenience that might be caused him. [...]
With regard to the assumption by P. J. Verigin of the possibility of Peter Verigin having
met his death as the result of the activities of some agent of the Soviet Govt., I can see
no motive for such an action and my investigation does not disclose any.
The authorities are no doubt aware that there have been two factions among the
Community Doukhobors in B.C. striving for supremacy this last few years, the split
having been caused by the desire of the more liberal minded among the Community
Doukhobors for schools and education within the Community, this has always been
strictly tabooed by the Conventional Doukhobor, and has led to struggles between what
I might call the Fundamentalists and Modernists among the Doukhobors resulting last
year I believe in the burning of several schools on the property of the Community in B.C.
last year.
As is well known the Doukhobor is recruited from the very primitive minded Russian
peasant and as such is very lacking in self control and I think it quite possible that a
member of the faction opposed to Peter Verigin whilst actuated by one of the emotional
impulses these people give way to, was responsible for the Farron disaster.
[signed]J.W.Kampston, Sergt.,
(J.W. Kompston) Reg. No. 3187.
I. C. Yorkton Detachment
Source: Library and Archives Canada, Immigration Branch, Vol.185; File 65101; Part
11; (C-7340) (PAC), J.W. Kampston, RCMP Report Re: Explosion and Bolshevik
Agitation, January 16, 1925.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Immigration Department assessment of Doukhobor emigration from Canada
1924
May 19, 1924
Dear Mr. Little
I find on looking up our file of papers that for some months now, in fact for a couple of
years or more, reports have periodically reached the Department [of Immigration and
Colonization] that the Doukhobours [sic] were about to leave Canada. The movement of
Doukhobours was reported as making for Mexico, for Russian and for the United States.
A delegation it appears was sent to Mexico more than a year ago, but the report was not
very satisfactory. A delegation went to Russia and on its return it appears to have been
seriously divided as to the desirability of the move. However, the report of some who
favoured return to Russia has resulted I believe in a few families going back to Russia.
In order to understand the present situation with regard to unrest among Doukhobours,
it is necessary that we go back for a few years. Shortly after the war some unrest was
noticed and some cleavage between the Doukhobours themselves. The Doukhobour
camp is today pretty well divided into two sections which are known as the Community
Doukhobours (under their leader Peter Verigin) and the Independent Doukhobours. It is
the Independent Doukhobours that have some leaning towards returning to Russia. The
movement had its inception in the winter of 1921-22 when two men, one of whom was
Ptopoff [sic] went as a delegate to Russia and while there had some negotiations for a
tract of land bordering on the Black Sea. ... As a result of the visit of this delegation to
Russia some sixteen Doukhobours left Canada in the autumn of 1922. In February of
this year about 28 left. ...
There is not likely to be any further movement to Russia until the autumn and even then
it is doubtful whether there will be any considerable movement owing to the difficulty of
selling lands in Canada at the price they want and the added doubt and disaffection
there appears to be as to the real merits of settlement in Russia. ...
Yours very truly
[no signature]
For Assistant Deputy Minister
Source: Library and Archives Canada, RG 76, Vol. 185 File 65101 Part 11 (Reel C-
7340), Unknown, "Immigration Department assessment of Doukhobor emigration from
Canada 1924," May 19, 1924.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D. PAVLOV PAPER TO STANDING COMMITTEE ON IMMIGRATION OF THE COUNCIL OF LABOUR
AND DEFENCE IN THE USSR
At the end of October newspapers announced the death of a Canadian Doukhobor leader
P.V. Verigin. Verigin had tremendous influence among the Doukhobors, and with his
death, huge changes among the Doukhobors might be anticipated. During the last 5-6
years, articles regarding Doukhobors have been few and far between in the Russian
press. Nevertheless, a substantial amount of information has been collected which is of a
great interest for the public, the more so since with Verigin’s death great changes within
the whole Doukhobor movement might be expected. [...]
With a fall of the Tsarist Government in Russia, Canadian Doukhobors have been
constantly entertaining the thought of moving back to their motherland. There are two
main reasons for that: on the one hand, crises happen frequently in Canada, affecting
farmers, especially Doukhobors, who are engaged exclusively in agriculture. On the
other hand, their longing towards Russia is not been completely gone, in particular with
the Doukhobors who were born in Russia. It’s not that easy to get used to the new way
of life, customs and character of a foreign country. In spite of 25 years in Canada,
Doukhobors still feel themselves strangers here in many respects.
The first attempt to start negotiations about Doukhobors moving back to Russia was in
1917, soon after the February Revolution. This attempt was quite unanimous. Verigin
shared the enthusiasm completely.
After the October [Socialist] revolution, Verigin abruptly changed his opinion on this
question. After October he became a severe opponent of resettlement, using all his
strength and influence to thwart the move.
However, not all Doukhobors supported Verigin’s position. Independent Doukhobors

were the first to openly oppose Verigin. They created a special Committee for
Repatriation of Doukhobors and established a connection with the Soviet Government. A
section of the communal Doukhobors also was thinking about repatriation. Intellectual
ferment was so strong, that in spite of all of Verigin’s authority and resources, he
eventually had to give in and start correspondence with the Soviet Government
regarding repatriation. Quite obviously, this was a maneuver whereby he was trying to
keep the communal Doukhobors in tow by not letting the movement shift into an
independent form, while at the same time hoping that the resettlement conditions put
out by him would not be accepted by the Soviet Government, which would serve as a
new and effective argument against any resettlement. This is why it is of interest to look
at Verigin as a leader of the Doukhobors in more detail. It is obvious that Verigin played
a major role in the Doukhobors’ destiny. As an organizer and economic manager, he
possessed indisputable and outstanding virtues. The Doukhobors valued this highly,
rendering their due to Verigin's authority. However, Verigin did not confine himself to
that alone. Having been in the past an exile and martyr for the ideals of the
Doukhobors, Verigin strove to preserve for himself the position of spiritual and secular
leader of the Doukhobor commune. He accomplished a lot; nevertheless, not all
Doukhobors were supporting him in this capacity. The whole group (about 4,500) of
independent Doukhobors ideologically swerved from Verigin. Even their name is
characteristic of this group’s ideological independence from Verigin.
Even among the communal Doukhobors who formally supported Verigin, his authority as
ideological leader was valued differently. Dissatisfaction sometimes was expressed in
open protest. The fact that a group of communal Doukhobors frustrated with his
extravagant way of life openly burned his house is well known. There were a lot of
Doukhobors unsatisfied with the uncontrollable autocratic rule of Verigin, which made
them leave the commune. And finally, the fact that Verigin started communication with
the Soviet Government regarding repatriation of the Doukhobors (which he passionately
opposed) indicates that he had a lot of enemies and, in order to maintain his authority,
had to reckon with them.
One Canadian newspaper, in a posthumous article, called Verigin “a little tsar”. In many
respects it was fair. Being in fact a manager of the all assets and resources of the
Commune, he deprived the communal Doukhobors who were leaving the commune of
their share of property. Recently, there have been lots of court proceedings in which
Doukhobors leaving the commune insisted on getting their share of property, but all
these issues were always resolved in Verigin’s favour.
These facts show that the unity of the Doukhobor commune was actually artificial to a
certain extent. Verigin’s death may cause big changes. It’s interesting that some
newspapers reported that Verigin died under mysterious circumstances, and his death
could be a result of a successful attempt on his life (Verigin died in the railway car
explosion).
It is very likely that with Verigin’s death the issue of Doukhobor repatriation will become
of keen interest again. The issue of Doukhobor repatriation is a complex one; it is worth
discussing in detail. The Doukhobors’ desire to repatriate and the agreement of the
Soviet Government to accept them are not sufficient in order to resolve the issue. It
might happen that an agreement will be reached, but, nevertheless, repatriation will
take a long time for the following reasons (independent Doukhobors had already faced
them):
First of all, it should be taken into account that not all Doukhobors living in Canada want
to repatriate. There is a certain group that is against it. They are relatively few. Another
group is more numerous: they are hesitating and decide the issue depending on the
conditions of repatriation. The third group consists of those who irrevocably decided to
repatriate. They are also not very numerous. Therefore, an examination into these
groups is required before decision can be made. This is especially important because
there were instances when those opposing repatriation joined those willing to interfere
with the process in every possible way.
Secondly, it is very important to provide repatriating Doukhobors with the opportunity to

familiarize themselves with the assigned lands in the USSR, with economic and
agricultural conditions in which they would work. It is not enough to just use envoys for
such large groups as the Doukhobors. The envoys are not able to comprehend all issues
which arise here. People are interested not only in location and quality of lands, but also
in water supply, roads, markets, prices on construction materials and many others.
Continuous source of business information is required in order to solve the issue of
repatriation.
The third problem is liquidation of Doukhobor property in Canada. Doukhobors know
very well that at the moment they cannot rely on financial aid from the Soviet
Government. This makes them thoroughly consider liquidation of their property in
Canada. They have to do this in such a way that after paying back all their debts to
banks, there was enough money left for the move and beginning their new home in the
USSR. They are aware of the difficulties of moving to a new place, they have an idea
how much this might cost; therefore, financial problems are given very thorough
consideration.
In the mean time, the conditions for the sale of Doukhobor property are extremely
unfavourable. One should not forget that Doukhobors are excellent farmers. Canada
values them a great deal. It is not in the best interests of the Canadian Government to
create favourable conditions for the liquidation of Doukhobor property. The Canadian
Government and banks not only refuse to buy the Doukhobor property, they also use
their influence to interfere with this liquidation altogether. Having exhausted all
possibilities in Canada, Doukhobors turned to Americans. Last spring, an American
company agreed to buy land with buildings, cattle and equipment for $35 per acre. This
is a very low price (many Doukhobors paid $50 per acre just for the land) but they
calculated that with this sale price they would manage to make ends meet, and agreed
to the sale. However, the company demanded new conditions: they insisted on having
seeds to sow the whole area. This would decrease the selling price to $30. Such a price
is unacceptable, and the deal is at the freezing point at the moment. This kind of
obstacle will not disappear in the future; therefore, without a doubt, Doukhobors need
organizational aid with this issue. This is in the best interests of the USSR also, because
the better conditions under which they can sell their property in Canada, the sooner
Doukhobors will be able to settle and start their homes in the USSR.
D. Pavlov
November 17, 1924
Montreal, Canada
Source: Russian State Economic Archive, Moscow, Fond 478, opis 7 dilo 2940 (1924),
D. Pavlov, D. Pavlov Paper to Standing Committee on Immigration of the Council of
Labour and Defence in the USSR, February 16, 1925, 30, 37-41.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLONISTS MAY LEAVE CANADA
GRAND FORKS, B.C., Feb. 12 –
That the Doukhobors of Canada – officially known as the Christian Community of

Universal Brotherhood Doukhobors – have in contemplation the removal of all members
of their several communities in Canada back to their native country in Russia, was the
statement of Peter Veregin, leader of the Doukhobors in Canada, in his interview here.
The statement was made through an interpreter, John Kabroff, one of the executive
members of the local colony, in reply to a query.
Mr. Veregin pointed out that there was still a large number of Doukhobors in Russia and
it was desired to bring them and the Doukhobors in Canada together either in this
country or over there. He said the Sociallistic government now in power in Russia was in
line with the ideals of the Doukhobors and has had a considerable bearing in bringing
about the probability of those here returning to their native land. No decision has been
arrived at, however, and in any event would not be put into effect until after the war,
said Mr. Veregin.
News that Doukhobors will probably leave the country will be regarded as news too good
to be true, says the Grand Forks Gazette. While it cannot be denied that the sect are not
without good qualities and have performed a service in bringing under cultivation many
districts that might have remained idle, the conditions under which they exist make
them more or less of a menace to the Canadian population which has them for
neighbours. There is no possibility of assimilation and a problem is created for many
years to come at least.
Source: "Colonists May Leave Canada," Vancouver World, February 12, 1918.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RCMP Report Re: Bolshevik Agitation Amongst Doukhobors
SECRET.
Ottawa Ref. No. 24 D 376 J 7

S.S.D. Ref. No. 212- 316
Yorkton, Saskn., Jan. 16th., 1925.
CRIME REPORT
Re: — Explosion on C.P.R. Train, Farron, B.C.
Bolshevik Agitation among the Doukhobors.
Referring to the above, I have to report that I proceeded to Canora, and Kamsack, on
the 12th to the 15th., inst., and went into this matter as thoroughly as possible. [...]
I understand that a large implement (farm) company in the U.S.A were prepared to
finance a trek of these people to Russia in the following manner, as Russia did not want
them without farm equipment; the implement company would arrange for the sale of
their (Doukhobor) lands here and fit them out with agricultural machinery and ship them
to Russia, the Soviet Govt. would on their arrival allocate to them land and houses etc.,
taking a chattel mortgage on the implements etc., in return for payment in produce by
the Doukhobors of rent etc., the chattel mortgage idea apparently frightened the
Doukhobors and the scheme did not go through.
Victor Kaft was very active in endeavoring to bring both of these schemes to a
successful conclusion, he is no doubt a Soviet Govt., agent, nationality is Georgian, he
arrived in Kamsack sometime in 1918, is an educated traveled man and appears to be
fairly well supplied with funds, although not living in any way extravagantly, he dress in
Russian style this is a pose to appeal to the Doukhobor. I have known the man
personally since 1920, having used him on odd occasions as an interpreter in Police
court work and have purposely cultivated his acquaintance on my visits to Kamsack
which were quite frequent about two years ago in connection with Inland Revenue work;
I believe that he vas the subject of a personal history file by this Force and whilst not
personally investigating this man's activities I have always pumped him as far as
possible in a casual manner as to his activities for my own particular information for
possible future use.
On arriving at Kamsack on the 13th., inst., I put my self in the way of meeting him. Kaft
proposing a game of bridge with two others, after which I engaged him in conversation
and in a casual way brought up the subject of the Doukhobors, indulging in a
philosophical discussion with him as to the future of these people, amongst other things
he told me that the Soviet Govt., at Moscow did not know of the actual whereabouts of
Peter Verigin Jr., who was recently elected as leader of the Doukhobors in Canada and
arrangements for whose arrival in Canada is now being made by the Russian authorities
as a result of solicitations in this regard made by the Community Doukhobors in Canada,
he thinks that after arrival here Peter Verigin will if he likes conditions in this country
endeavour to bring the balance of his adherents in Russia estimated to be about two
thousand, but there is a very great possibility of course of the Soviet Govt.. possibly
refusing him re-entry as the particular brand of community life induced in by the
Doukhobor is not quite on all fours with the Communism practiced by the Russian Govt.,
the religious side of the Doukhobor life conflicting to some extent. I gathered from Kaft
that the Doukhobors generally are very interested in the attitude the Dept. of
Immigration may take with regard to the entry into this country of Peter Verigin, he says
that when the Moscow authorities finally located Verigin he was found to be in jail where
he had been placed by some local authority as a result of claiming to be a saint, the
soviet authorities with the rather brutal cynicism at time displayed by them said that if
Verigin was a saint, the incarceration would not inconvenience him very much as he
would no doubt exercise his supernatural power as a saint and be relieved of any
inconvenience that might be caused him. [...]
With regard to the assumption by P. J. Verigin of the possibility of Peter Verigin having
met his death as the result of the activities of some agent of the Soviet Govt., I can see
no motive for such an action and my investigation does not disclose any.
The authorities are no doubt aware that there have been two factions among the
Community Doukhobors in B.C. striving for supremacy this last few years, the split
having been caused by the desire of the more liberal minded among the Community
Doukhobors for schools and education within the Community, this has always been
strictly tabooed by the Conventional Doukhobor, and has led to struggles between what
I might call the Fundamentalists and Modernists among the Doukhobors resulting last
year I believe in the burning of several schools on the property of the Community in B.C.
last year.
As is well known the Doukhobor is recruited from the very primitive minded Russian
peasant and as such is very lacking in self control and I think it quite possible that a
member of the faction opposed to Peter Verigin whilst actuated by one of the emotional
impulses these people give way to, was responsible for the Farron disaster.
[signed]J.W.Kampston, Sergt.,
(J.W. Kompston) Reg. No. 3187.
I. C. Yorkton Detachment
Source: Library and Archives Canada, Immigration Branch, Vol.185; File 65101; Part
11; (C-7340) (PAC), J.W. Kampston, RCMP Report Re: Explosion and Bolshevik
Agitation, January 16, 1925.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suspect Evidence: Peter Petrovich Verigin
In a 1964 bestselling exposé, Terror in the Name of God: The Story of the Sons of
Freedom Doukhobors, journalist Simma Holt pointed to another possible culprit in
Verigin’s death – Verigin’s own son. Holt’s new theory about Verigin’s death was greeted
contemptuously by most Doukhobors, who rejected the thought of a son killing a father.
But what do we know about the relationship between the two?
Six weeks after Lordly’s death, by Doukhobor custom, the communal Doukhobors held a
mass meeting to select their new leader. The six weeks witnessed an intense round of
intrigue and maneuvering between representatives of the two main contenders for
power. They were Verigin’s son, known as “Chistiakov” (variously translated as “the
cleanser” or “the purger”) and Anastasia Holubova, Lordly’s female partner. Chistiakov,
though still in Russia, would emerge triumphant. Representatives of the Doukhobor
commune set out to visit him and inform him of his new role. But before he could leave
the USSR, he was arrested for drunkenness and assault. Only in 1927 would he be
released and make his way to Canada.
His reign as head of the Doukhobor commune, from 1927 to 1939, would be marked by
much trauma and ultimate catastrophe. He was a violent drunkard who gambled
compulsively with commune funds. If this were not enough, his rule corresponded to the
Great Depression in Canada. Those pressures, plus the destruction of communal
property by the svobodniki, or Sons of Freedom, helped to break the Christian
Community of Universal Brotherhood. In 1938 the single largest communal experiment
in Canadian history was dismantled. Chistiakov would die the next year. Had Chistiakov
“purged” more than just the commune built by his father? Did he go to the extreme of
killing, or organizing the death of, his father?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUNE 14, 1963 RCMP MEMO RE: INFORMATION FROM SIMMA HOLT
ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED- POLICE

Division File No. E. 1131-5-1Detachment: Special "D" Section
Vancouver, B.C.-14-JUNE-63
SVOBODNIKI — Information from Simma HOLT
CONFIDENTIAL
14-JUNE-63
1. During the course of our investigation on Doukhobors generally the following theory
was disclosed by Vancouver Sun reporter Simma HOLT regarding the bomb murder of
Peter the Lordly VERIGIN at Farron, B.C. in 1924. Her research suggests the theory that
Peter the Lordly's murder was instigated by his son Peter II (Chistiakov). This, she
states, is supported by the following:
"In order to understand the story of the bitterness of Peter Petrovich VERIGIN
(Chistiakov) — second ruler in Canada — it is necessary to know the bitterness that was
fostered in him from earliest infancy against his father, Peter Vasilivich VERIGIN (Lordly)
or Peter I.
It all goes back as far as the rule of Loukeriya (1844-1886), wife of Peter KALMIKOFF,
who died and left her in charge. She had her eye on Peter VERIGIN when he was just a
child and she already a young married woman. She told VERIGIN'S mother that
someday she would claim the boy, who was then only nine.
When Peter was growing up into a handsome man and she saw him in his late teens she
was more determined to have him. At 20 he fell in love and married Dunia KATELNIKOFF
in 1878. Loukeriya hit the roof and as soon as spring came she drove her horses through
(complete with luxurious entourage of handmaidens and servants) to his home to force
him to leave Dunia. She was angry at everyone but Peter, who she adored. She forced
him to leave Dunia and went to the courts, the first case in which Doukhobors ever
resorted to law — she got a legal divorce from Dunia for him.
Dunia's parents and family despised Peter. There was terrible feeling. In 1880 [sic — in
1881] he abandoned his wife and headed for the Wet Mountain headquarters of
Loukeriya. Peter II was born one month later.
Throughout his life Peter II heard nothing but the slyness, the meanness, the
abandonment of him and his mother by Peter I. The KATELNIKOFF hate was deep within
him.
Meanwhile, Loukeriya built a shrine to Peter and no other human being but she and
Peter were allowed into it. On her death in 1886 (and some say she was murdered)
there was a split. The people who liked the peace she had brought and the money, went
with her brother Michael HOBUNOFF, and the largest group led by Ivan MAKORTOFF
followed Peter. These were the less stable group.
There was another split when Peter ordered them to abstain from sex, including
relationships with their wives, abstain from eating meat, smoking or drinking. These
people followed Peter and the others who were getting a little sick of it all broke away.
Then in 1895 there was another split over the burning of the arms, and Canada got the
split of splits of splits, and always filtration's of the worst elements.
In either case Peter Lordly came to Canada in 1902, three years after the 7363
Doukhobors. He had occasionally written to Dunia from his prison in Siberia in
connection with Peter, but he was still despised by her and the family.
But, in 1906 in Canada, he wanted to see her and wanted to see his son and new
grandson. Peter II was curious about Canada and the mother was also interested. So
they came. Peter II was then 24. He was a heavy drinker and gambler by then. Dunia
came not only with Peter but with Peter's wife Anna, their baby son Peter Petrovich, a
daughter (Anna MARKOVA presumably) and a devilish 16-year-old named Peter
MOROZOFF.
Peter [Chistiakov] had promised the people in Russia he would see if he could find land
for them in Canada. He got money from them (as usual) for this purpose. He told them
later they would not like Canada.
According to Jim Wright (in Slava Bohu) the father and son were so much alike that the
young Peter knew exactly what to say and do to rile his father, and he spent his time
doing this. He was constantly baiting him. The mother was openly disillusioned and she
made no secret of her bitterness toward Peter the Lordly. They (mother and son) lived in
separate houses across from the father. Only the grandchildren gave Peter any solace.
He was sorry he had brought them to Canada.
The good Doukhobors apparently were shocked at Peter's swaggering, lewd talk, his
cigarette smoking and his impudence to his father. ...
Peter the Lordly was shattered by all this [and ordered his son and former wife to return
to Russia, which they did.] ..
September 16, 1927 Peter II arrived in Canada [from Russia]. ...
When he first came here he said in one of his long-winded speeches (usually two hours
minimum) that:
"I know who killed my father. Many times I felt angry and revengeful, but Christ within
me said, 'Forgive them, they know not what they do.' "
The Doukhobors felt he meant the government did it — that he knew that, and no doubt
that there were a few people who were scared that Peter would release the names.
...
Here is my theory:
I figure that Peter hated his father bitterly for the abandonment of his mother, also
because of the hate inculcated by his mother's parents and relatives. He heard nothing
else. When he came to Canada in 1906 he saw a mint of dough his father was making
out of these ignorant people. He didn't like his father any better on meeting him.
Meanwhile the wild element among the Doukhobors liked the high living Peter and he
made friends with them in 1906.
As he grew older his love for money and gambling grew. He knew where there was a pile
of it. He wasn't doing too well on the people in Russia and he thought the Canadian
types could do better — from what he saw of his father's prosperity and later learned
from his friend of the great empire his father had built in the CCUB. He was in trouble
with the Russian government. He was being thrown into jail periodically. He felt certain
(and probably the people he was corresponding with encouraged him) that he would be
the successor to his father. He knew that even if he did not come to Canada he could get
thousands of them (and he did in the three years between 1924, his father's death, and
the time he came here in 1927). He probably wanted to speed his inheritance and at the
same time get rid of his father who he dispised.
Anyhow I am sure that he masterminded the murder. It was the first Doukhobor bomb
and the bombing started again (VERIGIN'S Tomb attempt — May 25, 1930) after he
came to Canada. ...
This is a theory but it has a lot of solid foundations. You have the Doukhobors broken up
among themselves; you have the other segments of the Doukhobors shattered,
embarrassed, changing names so no one will know they are Doukhobors; and for the
past year you have had people talking.
Another point was MAKAROFF said — to me and to the Doukhobors at the Historical
Society meeting — that when Peter II was dying Peter MAKAROFF told him the CCUB
was finished, that the lawyer (MAKAROFF) had the foreclosure order in his hand.
MAKAROFF said – Peter Chistiakov sighed 'Praise be God, I have succeeded in destroying
all that my father did.'"
...
S.U.I.
J. Stinson Sgt.
i/c Spl. "D" Sec.
pp. 285-90, , , J. Stinson, June 14, 1963 RCMP Document Re: Information from
Vancouver Sun Reporter Simma Holt, June 14, 1963.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 27, 1965 RCMP MEMO RE: INFORMATION FROM SIMMA HOLT
Division: "E"RCMP FILE REFERENCES:

Sub-Division: NelsonE-500-300-5-1
Detachment: Spl. "D" Sec.63NL-5/1-12
Date: 27-MARCH-65 .63-5/0-11
SVOBODNIKI — Information from Simma HOLT.
1. On this date, I interviewed Nicholai ZEABIN (75 years) at Robson. B.C. During the
interview. I questioned him regarding his association with Peter Lordly and any
knowledge he may have regarding his death. ZEABIN said that he was in charge of
labour for the community and maintained close contact with Peter Lordly. Approximately
one month prior to Peter's death, ZEABIN received a phone call at 3:00 A.M. from the
Nelson Daily News and the reporter asked if it was true that Peter Lordly had been killed
near Thrums, B.C. He said that at that time Peter was in Grand Forks area on a visit and
when he returned he was told of the phone call but showed little concern and said that
he would contact the Nelson Daily News regarding their source of information. ZEABIN
was asked if he had any knowledge regarding the letters mentioned by Anastatia
HOLUBOFF in P.C.R. dated 18-Feb-65 and he said that he had heard of them but could
not vouch for their authenticity. He was asked if Peter CHISTIAKOV could have had
anything to do with his father's death and he replied that in his mind CHISTIAKOV had
nothing to do with it because of the father-son relationship. ZEABIN was very
cooperative during the interview but the information he supplied is of little value and it
would appear that his knowledge of the events surrounding Peter Lordly's death are very
limited or it could be that he is only disclosing part of the facts known by him.
2. On the 16-March-65, I interviewed Lawrence (Larion) VERIGIN (74 years) at 52 West

Okanagan St., Penticton, B.C. regarding the death of his uncle Peter Lordly. VERIGIN
said that he was secretary of the community at the time of his uncle's death. I asked
him if he had any knowledge of the letters mentioned in para. 1 and P.C.R. and he said
that as far as he is concerned no threatening letters were received by Peter Lordly
because all mail was checked by him and at no time did he find anything of a
threatening nature. At the time of his uncle's death, VERIGIN said he blamed the
Bolsheviks because he felt they had reason to get rid of Peter on the grounds that he
was constantly criticizing their ways and beliefs. I asked him if Peter CHISTIAKOV could
have been behind the death of his father and he said that he did not wish to comment
on this. He expressed his dislike for Peter CHISTIAKOV and said that he would stop at
nothing to bring disgrace on the name of his father. VERIGIN said that he worked for
CHISTIAKOV for a short time but this was not because of loyalty to him but for the need
of money to live on. VERIGIN said that it is his opinion the watchmaker mentioned by
Mrs. HOLT in her book, "Terror in the Name of God" had something to do with the
bombing of the train but he has no idea who the instigators were. He said the
watchmaker was brought to his office by Nickolai ZEABIN and he offered to repair the
clocks in the building but his services were refused. He then asked permission to see
Peter Lordly but his request was refused and he left the colony. VERIGIN said that at the
time of the watchmakers visit, he appeared to be about 65 years of age and failing in
health. On completing the interview with VERIGIN, he said that he had told me a
number of things which were his own opinions and he had nothing to back up his beliefs.
VERIGIN was found to be very cooperative but the information he supplied was found to
be of little value or assistance in this investigation.
3. On 23-March-65, Sgt. E.O. PEEVER and I interviewed William SOUKEROFF (53 years)
at Grand Forks, B.C. He was questioned about his service with Peter CHISTIAKOV and
any knowledge he may have regarding the death of Peter Lordly. SOUKEROFF said that
he was employed as secretary for twelve years by CHISTIAKOV and he found him to be
a harsh, brutal man with a violent temper. He said during his service with CHISTIAKOV,
he had no reason to suspect him of having taken part in the planning of Lordly's death.
SOUKEROFF said that his knowledge of the death of Peter Lordly is limited because he
was only twelve years old at that time and doesn't remember the details. He said that
anything he does know of details, were told to him by the older people in the area. He
said that he was told by the old people that a watchmaker did travel between the
colonies repairing clocks but this man was reported to have died in a mental hospital. He
also stated that during an argument with Peter Lordly. CHISTIAKOV was reported to
have said "my turn will come and when it does, I will destroy everything you have built.
There will be no rock unturned". The information supplied by SOUKEROFF is believed to
be all hearsay as he was only a child at the time of the bombing. It is believed that
should he have any knowledge as to the instigators of the bombing, he would not
disclose it because of his association with Peter CHISTIAKOV. ...
5. Extra copies of this report attached.
STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION:A.B. Godlien, Cst. Special “D” Section
pp. 297-300, , , A.B. Godlien, March 27, 1965 RCMP Document Re: Information from
Simma Holt, March 27, 1965.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WILL VERIGIN'S SON SUCCEED TO FALLEN MANTLE?
GRAND FORKS, B.C., Oct. 31.- Who will succeed Peter Verigin as head of the
Doukhobors in Canada, or chief of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, as
they style themselves?
This is a universal question where ever the death of the Russian leader is discussed. It is
being discussed freely, even among his followers.
Some speak of his death with in difference; they admit the strong prob ability of a
break-up of the commu nity, but feel that this will not be a serious matter. This is
among the younger generation just breaking into manhood. They are quite enamored
with the possibilities of greater freedom.
Older members of the community, however, recognize the gravity of the situation, the
essential need of some outstanding person to hold their people together, for even the
astuteness of the late leader was severely taxed at times to avoid serious ruptures. He
had a remarkable personality that commanded czar-like discipline.
It is not generally known that Verigin has four brothers in the British Columbia colonies.
and one in Saskatchewan. When these were suggested along with several others of the
more prominent directors of their society, as possible successors, one of the principals of
the community here replied:
"No. we have no person here or at Brilliant, or in Saskatchewan either, who will be able
to hold the people together as did Mr. Verigin; he was a big man. and his followers loved
him."
Urged to suggest a probable person on whom the mantle of leadership might, he

declared:
"There is only one man; he is Mr. Verigin's son now living in Russia."
The speaker went on to explain that the Doukhobors believe their leaders possess divine
right, and that when they die, this right is vested in their eldest son.
This opinion was found to be quite general among the older heads of the community,
who were born in Russia, and who are already looking to the coming of the deceased
leader's son as a natural sequence.
Source: "Will Verigins Son Succeed to Fallen Mantle?," Nelson Daily News, November 1,
1924.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KNEELING DOUKHOBORS PLEDGE YOUNG VERIGIN UPON KNEES IN SNOW,
ACCLAIM FUTURE LEADER
Kneeling in the snow, pledging fealty to the son of Verigin, now on the way from Russia,
and reported to be on Canadian soil, thousands of Dcukhobors, before the grave of the
late Peter Verigin, on a rocky bluff above Brilliant, in the dead of the night, at 1 o'clock
yesterday morning, sig- nified their desire that Peter Verigin Jr., should be the successor
of his father in both spiritual leadership of the Doukhobor sect and the tem- poral
leadership of the society.
Very few refrained from kneeling when the informal test, which, however, means
eventual election, was taken, among the number being said to be M.W. Cazakoff, the
able Vice- President of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, prominently
mentioned for the succession, who is now in charge of its affairs; L.W. Verigin, in charge
of the headquarters at Brilliant as secretary-treasurer; George Verigin, brother of the
late leader; and Paul Planedin. Anastasia Holuboff or Verigin, niece of the late
Doukhobor king, who was said to have been trained by her uncle for the spiritual
leadership for 22 years, and now acting spiritual Ieader, was not present for the rite of
remembrance, which is to last for three days.
Preceding the indication of the wishes of the majority, letters were read bearing of the
views of the late leader in relation to his son.
From 1 yesterday morning until 6, the concourse at the grave at Brilliant kept the rite of
remembrance with chants by several groups, respectively comprising the Brilliant, Grand
Forks, Glade and Crescent Valley colonies, the Svobodneke or "free people" from Grand
Forks, and the Independents from the prairie.
The informal vote took place on the initiative of five chosen head men, Thomas Streloeff
of Glade, Sam Verichagin of Brilliant, reported in Saskatchewan dispatches as a
candidate for the succession, Nick Vsorhokoff and George Debosoff of Grand Forks, and
a man named Orakoff from Pass Creek.
Preaching and praying preceded and followed the test that showed the feeling toward
young Verigin, and many hours' singing followed it.
Shortly before dawn the multitude returned to Brilliant to Peter's late house, where
Anastasia was in seclusion, with drawn blinds, and despite her refusal to acknowledge
the honors, shouted out to her thanks for her many faithful years of service as Peter's
housekeeper.
Peter Verigin Jr. or "Peter's Peter Lordly," the late leader name having been changed at
death to Lordly, is a man of 41 years, born in Russia, and university educated. His
mother Dunia Verigin, formerly Dunia Katelnikoff, aged 62, now in Russia. Peters son
was in Canada for 6 months 10 or 12 years ago. He was supposed to have left Russia
just before the death of Peter Verigin in the Farron coach explosion of October 29. A
letter from a Toronto acquaintance of a Brilliant Doukhobor describes a conversation
with him a week ago. As he was embarking for the West.
Ten Thousand Doukhobors are now awaiting his appearance with eager- ness, and
unless he has for some reason stopped in Saskatchewan, he should be here to
participate in one or more of the remaining "days of remembrance" for the late leader,
as yesterdays morning's ceremonial is to be twice repeated.
A session is to be held in the meeting house today to discuss the business affairs of the
community.
When the actual vote that will determine the successors will be taken is not yet clear.
Source: "Kneeling Doukhobors Pledge Young Verigin," Nelson Daily News, December
11, 1924.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VEREGIN'S SON STILL IN RUSSIA?
NELSON, Dec. 12—Nothing is yet known at Brilliant of the whereabouts of the

mysterious son of Peter Veregin, whom ten thousand Doukhobors have acclaimed as
their leader by kneeling in the snow.
Wednesday night the Doukhobors boarded the outgoing Coast train at Brilliant and
searched it thoroughly from end to end, in the hope of finding their new leader.
Three different deputation's waited on W.C.E. Koch, who knows a number of them
intimately, to ask him if he could advise them of any means of tracing Peter junior.
A large number insist there is no warrant for the belief that Peter has ever left Russia on
the supposed present trip to Canada. They also stated that he holds a distinguished
position in politics there, being over- commissar of seven provinces populated by the
Doukhobors, by whose vote he holds that position.
Others, who believe, he is in Canada, say he is travelling with two old men: All state he
is tall and resembled his father, that he is progressive in politics, and believes in
educating the Doukhobors. He is said to speak eight languages.
All the Doukhobors gathered at Brilliant seem to be prepared to welcome "Peter's Peter,"
and it is said that Anastasia Veregin's supporters are acquiescing with good grace in
Peter's election. Wires have been kept busy over Canada in efforts to locate Veregin, but
of no avail. Whether he is in Canada or in Russia is not known by his followers here who
remain faithful to his call. With the exception of twenty-six Doukhobors all of the
10,000 gathered at Brilliant favor the son as next leader.
Source: "Verigin Son Still in Russia?," The Province, December 12, 1924.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Peter Verigin Mystery Quest Evidence Package

Suspect Evidence: The Doukhobor Factions

The disintegration of the "Community of Universal Brotherhood" as they call themselves

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

Re:- EXPLOSION C.P.R. TRAIN-

Name: DAN GRENOR

On instructions received from Officer Commanding West Kootenay Sub-District we

The Officer Commanding,

R.L. Cadiz Insp.

Vancouver.R.S. Knight. Supt. Vancouver. B.C.

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

I proceeded by train to Nelson. B.C.. on the evening of October 30th.

On the morning of October 31st, accompanied by Provincial Constable Johnston, Trail.

Re: EXPLOSION C.P.R. TRAIN — FARRON, B.C.

Aged 42 years, born in Bessarabia, village of Grubia, Province Gottin, worked at

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

November 7th, 1924.

BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL POLICE

DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND COLONIZATION

MEMORANDUM TO DIVISION COMMISSIONER A. E. SKINNER:

Regina, Sask. July 18, 1932

In company with Insp. Cruickshank we interviewed Nick Maloff, Independent farmer at

Re — FARRON RAILWAY EXPLOSION — October 28, 1924.

Re- GRISHIN (or Greitchen) Metro — Enquiries concerning.

Photo of Grishin attached.

(C.G. Barber) Sergt. i/c,

The Officer Commanding,

Source: Library and Archives Canada, Access to Information Request A-2004-00120,

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

SVOBODNIKI – Information from Simma Holt

E.O. Peever, Sgt.

Source: , , , Kootenay Committee on Intergroup Relations, Volume LXX, "Kootenay

POLICE AND EXPERTS PRACTICALLY DISCARD OTHER THEORIES IN BLAST.

DAY AND NIGHT BEFORE THE EXPLOSION HE WAS IN FARRON AREA.

To designate his religious advancement, Kamenshikoff wore about a dozen oranges in

He wrote to Verigin last spring. It was a brotherly love letter.

Kaminchikoff was detained by provincial police authorities on Saturday last on

Source: James R. Johnston, Speech by James R. Johnston Regarding the "Doukhobor

Account of George. G. Zebroff

MR. McINTOSH: “AN ACCOUNT OF A PERSONAL WITNESS OF THE EVENT OF PETER W.

MRS. ASTAFOROFF: (through Mr. McIntosh):

MR. McINTOSH: It says here “Maria Khrestova”?

MR. PODOVINIKOFF: Meaning “of Christ.”

MRS. ASTAFOROFF: (through Mr. McIntosh)

Source: Kootenay Commitee on Intergroup Relations, Account of George G.

November 5th, 1924.

Open Letter to the Government of the Province of British Columbia.

Source: Selkirk College Special Collections, KCIR Cabinet, , Anastasia F. Holubova,

Hon. A.M. Manson,

It was unanimously resolved to present for your consideration and attention as

IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Government of British Columbia be requested to

Yours very truly,

South Slocan. March 10, 1925,

To the Honorable John Oliver, Premier, Victoria B.C.

GRAND PRESIDENTGRAND SECRETARY

The Honourable The Premier,

Following is copy of a resolution passed by Cranbrook Assembly No.22 on recent

“WHEREAS, in the matter of administration of educational affairs in the Province of

(signed) Robt. D. MacLachlan

Verigan is the president of the Christian Community of Universal Brotherhood, which is

Source: Kootenay Committee on Intergroup Relations, "Kootenay Committee on

Bolshevik Agitation among the Doukhobors.

May 19, 1924