01/27/2026
On March 26, 1909, Jedrzej Peichura, a 23-year-old carpenter, left his native Poland to meet his brother Jan in Minneapolis, Minnesota. No doubt, like millions at the time, he was going in search of a better life for himself.
Except…he lied.
Jedrzej was actually Jacob Wasilchenko, a Ukrainian deserter with false papers, illegally leaving his homeland with the help of smugglers. In reality, he knew no one in this new country, and he hid his identity as he escaped the cruel conditions of the Imperial Russian Army. He lied to immigration officials about everything from his name to his nationality to the relatives he had; only his age and his occupation were truthful. Some today may call him a criminal, an “illegal immigrant.”
He made his way to Minneapolis, where other immigrants sheltered him, and he finally felt safe. He found a job, married another Ukrainian, raised a family, became a landowner, built his home with his own hands, and lived the rest of his days in peace.
How do I know that Jedrzej was really Jacob? Because he said so on his naturalization papers when he applied for citizenship just a few years after his arrival. He admitted to the federal government that he had entered under false pretenses, giving them his information, including his address and details about his wife and child. How did they respond? By granting him citizenship.
As his great-granddaughter, I’m glad Jacob was so brave and took such risks. I’m glad that he lied. He certainly worked harder as an immigrant to deserve his citizenship than I ever have. Now feels like an apt time to share Jacob’s story. When you research the history of immigrants, day in and day out, the way I have, you don’t fear them, you appreciate them. What I do fear is tyrannical, oppressive governments with no concern for their citizens, like the one Jacob was escaping.
Words without action don't mean much. Please join me today in supporting the Minneapolis community. Find a list of vetted organizations to donate to here: www.standwithminnesota.com.
