Dynasty of Vasilyevs Contributes 861 Years to Agricultural Progress in Yakutia
Proudly Presenting Yakutia's Record-Breaking Agricultural Dynasty: The Vasilyevs
Let's dive into the captivating story of the Vasilyev family, hailing from the chilly village of Bya-Kyuel, nestled in Yakutia's Mountainous District. This extraordinary clan has dedicated an astounding 861 years to the bustling field of agriculture in their home region!
We had the privilege of chatting with Anisya Mikhailovna Terentyeyeva, an agriculture specialist and proud descendant of the Vasilyev dynasty. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development of Yakutia helped us connect with this remarkable lady.
Rooted in the Past
"Our grandparents, Haritina Stepanovna and Semen Maximovich, initiated it all. They both cared for livestock in the collective farm. They tied the knot in 1931 and welcomed nine children - two daughters and seven sons," Anisya began her family's enticing saga.
The Vasilyev ancestors embarked on their agricultural journey way back in 1928. The couple worked in various collectives, including the "Red Banner", "Stalin", and "Chkalov", right here in their birthplace, Bya-Kyuel. Semen Maximovich, despite the outbreak of war, continued working tirelessly in the rear until his passing in 1975.
All nine children followed in their parents' footsteps. The eldest daughter worked as a milkmaid, then moved on to the state farm and ultimately landed a job at the butter factory. She went on to raise six children who, in turn, joined the labor force.
One by one, each son took up the Vasilyev banner, spreading their agricultural roots far and wide. From cattle handlers to tractor drivers and horse breeders, these guys truly left their mark on the region.
In 1969, the Vasilyev team, led by Semen, made a groundbreaking discovery in the world of agriculture. Their efforts in ensuring the sovkhoz with green fodder mass were highly lauded, which soon inspired similar changes in other Mountainous District settlements.
The family's story didn't just end with their nine children. Their achievements trickled down to the next generations, with their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren continuing the labor legacy.
The Heirs
The Vasilyev couple brought forth 56 grandchildren, 162 great-grandchildren, 128 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild. They celebrate their family reunion, christened "Ysyakh," every two years in Bya-Kyuel, inviting relatives from all corners of the region. The gathering often boasts a crowd of more than a hundred people, making it feel like a whole village celebration!
This year, the Vasilyevs are gearing up to celebrate a major milestone - their inclusion in the Book of Honor of the best labor dynasties of Yakutia!
To be frank, we've been contemplating this family's story for quite a while now, even dating back to 2020. While we were excited to delve into our family's history, we were taken aback when we realized the collective agricultural experience of our lineage exceeded our wildest expectations. However, we estimate that the number should be even higher, as only 27 people from our family made it into the book. Many of our ancestors' tireless work years remain unaccounted for," our interviewee shared.
The Founding Matriarch
The matriarch of our family, Haritina Stepanovna, was honored with the title "Honorary Citizen of the Mountain District" for increasing the population of the Sakha people. She was also celebrated in numerous newspaper articles, including ours. Born in a time of change - the fall of the Russian Empire and the birth of the USSR - she lived through war, perestroika, the '90s, and saw in the new millennium. She passed away in 2005, surrounded by a loving family.
95 Families of Distinction
Since 2013, the Book of Honor for the best labor dynasties of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) has been published annually. These collections feature the most devoted families in various fields, including education, agriculture, healthcare, aviation, and more. Over nine years, 95 dynasties have been recognized.
In 2025, alongside the Vasilyevs, several other families were added to the book:
- Permyakovs - 539 years in agriculture
- Rozhnys - 507 years in healthcare
- Kaydalovs - 469 years in education
- Gulyaevs - 446 years in education
- Gabyshevs - 310 years in culture
- Timofeevs - 288 years in aviation
- Trubins - 278 years in aviation
- Kychkins - 245 years in healthcare
- Soyins - 181 years in the timber industry
The Vasilyevs continue to hold the record for the longest work experience, with 861 years in agriculture, followed closely by the Shadrins from the Hangalassky District, with a collective pedagogical experience of 803 years.
This chilling region, known for its challenging subarctic climate and a deep-rooted tradition of animal husbandry among local populations, is home to numerous families with longstanding agricultural practices, often spanning centuries. The Vasilyevs are just one example of this rich, northern agricultural heritage.
"The Vasilyevs' impact on Yakutia's home-and-garden lifestyle is deeply rooted in their family-dynamics, as they've passed their agricultural skills and love for farming from generation to generation over 861 years, shaping the region's history."
"Relationships within the Vasilyev family have played a significant role in the preservation of their vocation, with the family's gatherings, christened 'Ysyakh,' serving as a celebration of their shared labor legacy, encompassing multiple generations from various fields such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and more."
