GEORGE
KEVORK AND ANNA MALIAN
George Kevork Malian was born in Khoshmat, Palou. He stowed away on a ship
coming to New York in 1905, but returned to western Armenia to marry and
save the first of fourteen relatives and fellow Armenians whom he would
bring to America. With his second journey to America, he settled once again
in New York, and this time, with a cousin, he opened a general store, doing
barbering and shoe repairing as well. Because of difficult times, he spent
months doing arduous labor on railroad gangs in North Dakota, South Dakota
and Utah. By 1920, he made his way to Providence, Rhode Island, and established
permanent roots.
Anna Tootoonjian was born in 1903 in Separtia. She, her mother and four
sisters were driven with other women and children on the inhuman death
marches. Anna became separated from her family and reached Malatya alone.
Then began the years of search to find her relatives, which ended joyously
years later, in Marseilles, France.
Meanwhile, Kevork had come to France looking for a bride. According to
his account, he saw a beautiful girl weaving a rug in a factory, found
out her name, approached Anna's mother, and quickly married the young Anna.
Their lives here ...
Kevork and Anna raised five children: Mary Kazarian of Pawtucket, Valerie
Darakjian of Granite City, Illinois, Helen Kinoian of New Jersey, Sarah
Fusco of Cranston, and George of North Providence.
Kevork used his merchandising talents with general stores which he opened
on North Main Street and Douglas Avenue. Devoted to her beloved Sts. Sahag
and Mesrob Church and the Armenian causes, Anna eventually was chosen "Mother
of the Year" by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, a fitting culmination
to her special life.
While the lives of Kevork and Anna here in America were safe, Anna never
forgot the numerous atrocities she had witnessed. They remained scarred
on her mind and soul literally until the day of her death in 1975.
BARGAM
AND LUCIG BARGAMIAN
HOVHANES (JOHN) AND HACHADOOR
Bargam and Lucig (Lucy) Shererian Bargamian had two sons, Hovhanes (John)
and Hachadoor. Bargam also had a sister, Zarmig, with whom he had a close
relationship. John was born on October 14, 1905 in Osnag, Keghi, Armenia.
Three months after the birth of his son John, Bargam was forced to flee
for his life to America. Lucig, her sons John and Hachadoor and sister-in-law
Zarmig were rescued from the Genocide by the Gamarvoors. They assisted
the family to get to Alexandrapal, Russia.
The situation for Lucig at this point was desperate. She had to provide
financially for her children. Adding to her despair was the fact that she
had no means of communication with her husband, Bargam, who was not aware
whether they were alive or not. Her resolve was strong, and she became
a school teacher.
While she was working, she met by chance a visitor from America. She beseeched
him for information about Bargam's whereabouts. Coincidentally, this person
knew or had met a man named Bargam Bargamian who lived in Providence, and
worked at Nicholson File Company. Lucig obtained Bargam's address and immediately
wrote to him, giving him the wonderful news that she and their two sons,
and Bargam's sister Zarmig were alive and living in Russia.
Bargam could hardly believe the miracle! He immediately left America for
Russia to become reunited with his family. The joyousness of this family
reunion was marred by the fact that while Bargam was hugging his son John,
someone pickpocketed him and stole a cashier's check that represented a
large sum of money for Bargam. When he learned of the theft, Bargam immediately
notified the Bank of America officials, and had to wait for more than a
year for reimbursement.
The difficulties continued. Bargam was able to book passage to America
by the circuitous route of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Once in Norway,
however, officials discovered that his son John had problems with his eyesight
and would not be eligible to book passage. Sadly, John remained behind,
with his aunt Zarmig, for four years. Both he and Zarmig worked for the
Salvation Army in return for room and board.
Bargam, Lucig and Hachadoor came to America in 1917.
Their lives here ...
Bargam and Lucig Bargamian settled on a farm in North Providence on Plympton
Street, just off Mineral Spring Avenue. In 1920 Bargam attempted again
to bring his son John to this country, and once again, he met with difficulties
not of his own making. While he was in Liverpool, England, a coal strike
occurred, stranding him in that city for three months. At long last, Bargam
was reunited with his son John and brought John home to America to meet
his new siblings, Charles and Margaret.
John, Charles, and Hachadoor operated the A.B.C. Bus Line for many years.
Their farm site gained a reputation for being a fine location for Armenian
picnics.
MESIA AND
HYGANOUSH MICHAELIAN
Mesia Michaelian was born in Govdoon, Sivas, Turkey on August 1st, 1878.
One of his friends from Sivas was a young woman, Hyganoush Tarpinian, who
was born on March 18, 1893. Little did they know that their lives and fortunes
would be intertwined and affected by the Genocide.
Mesia had married and had five children. He managed to escape the Genocide
and arrived in Providence in 1917 with the hopes of bringing his family
to freedom. He was anguished to learn that his family was annihilated.
Hyganoush, too, had married. She became a member of the Mouradjian family
and suffered the loss of both her husband and newborn son who were killed
by the Turks.
Hyganoush was able to book passage on January 9, 1921. The childhood friendship
between Mesia and Hyganoush gave them the strength and foundation to become
married in March, 1921.
Their lives here ...
Mesia and Hyganoush Michaelian made their first home on 314 Chalkstone
Avenue. Later, as their family grew, they moved to 42 Shawmut Street and
Delhi Street. Always a hard worker, Mesia built a three decker home on
444 Douglas Avenue, a structure which still stands today.
Mesia demonstrated his willingness to work and appreciation of the opportunities
of this country. When he obtained employment as a wire tester at Washburn
Wire Company, he walked to work, regardless of the weather, from Smith
Hill to Phillipsdale, East Providence. He worked until the time of his
death on June 8, 1952.
Hyganoush stayed home to care for their three children, Sarah, Arsen and
Oski. Both she and Mesia remained active with Armenian organizations. Mesia
retained membership in the Educational Society of Govdoon and in the Mouran
Fund. The purpose of these organizations was to share the heritage and
customs as "Govdoonzees" and to provide funds for education, music and
crafts for their children. Hyganoush is especially remembered for her skills
in baking, especially the "Katagh".
Their son Arsen presently resides in Los Altos, CA and has two sons, Kim
and Robert. Sarah married Aram Kachadourian and makes her home in Greenville,
RI. Sarah and Aram have three sons, Charles, Arthur, and Gary. Mesia and
Hyganoush's remaining child, Oski, married Edward Abdow and they live in
Fall River, MA. They have two children, Sonya and Edward.
Hyganoush lived to see the marriages of her children and the births of
her grandchildren. She died on January 4th, 1990 at the age of 97.
From their family ...
"Despite the fact that our parents endured tremendous pain and suffering
due to the atrocities, they instilled in us a great joy and faith in our
Armenian heritage. We have carried this feeling on to our children. Especially,
we recall how our father enjoyed singing Armenian hymns to us."
MELKON ARZOOMANIAN
BAGDASAR AND ELMAS ARZOOMANIAN
The story of the Arzoomanian family begins with the travails of Gurer (Cyril)
Arzoomanian, who was born in Havav, Armenia in 1830. During the Crimean
War he sold tea to the British. Soon thereafter, he went to Romania with
the hope of working, making enough money to return to Havav and purchase
land. He finally settled in Tepeh, a small lush village nestled at the
very end of the plains of Palou. He married, had three sons, - Sarkis,
Bedros, and Hovaness - and four daughters. The family were successful ranchers,
growing wheat and cattle.
Despite having land and relative prosperity, Gurer had many misgivings
about the prospect of living peacefully with the Turks. He reacted to his
fear by sending his grandson Melkon, son of Sarkis, to America in order
to invest in a business. Melkon settled in Providence, opening a grocery
store on Empire Street in 1906.
Melkon's brother, Bagdasar, came in 1913 to manage the store. The family's
thinking was to allow Melkon to return to Havav and marry while Bagdasar
would care for the family business. Tragedy occurred when only eight months
after his return to Havav, Melkon was murdered. He left a pregnant wife
who eventually gave birth to a son, named Melkon in honor of his martyed
father. The adult children of Melkon are now living in Syria and Canada.
Gurer's second son, Hovaness, had two sons, Kaspar and Khosrof, and a daughter,
Anna. During the terrible time of the Genocide, the entire Arzoomanian
family of 35 members were annihilated. Kaspar, Khosrof and Anna found refuge
in Marseilles, France. Two cousins, Souren and Boghos, also survived, went
to New York City and opened grocery stores. Their families reside in New
York.
Meanwhile, Bagdasar was in Providence, managing the grocery store originally
opened by his brother Melkon. He frantically tried to locate his ravaged
family and finally, discovered the survivors. He supported his family financially
and emotionally.
Bagdasar Arzoomanian married Elmas in 1929. They have three sons, John,
Leo and Raffi. They lived on Plain Street in Providence and moved to Cranston,
RI in 1954.
Bagdasar was able to bring his neice, Anna, daughter of Hovaness, to America
in 1948.
From their family ...
"The legacy of Gurer Arzoomanian lives on in his children, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren. We are a large family again, with teachers, lawyers,
doctors, pharmacists, engineers, nurses, and other professional affiliations
in our midst. We respect our family's loving memory - we shall never forget
them."
Lucienne Kaprielian
KRIKOR
AND OGHDA SARKISIAN
SARKIS AND MARIE SARKISIAN
Krikor and Oghda Sarkisian were originally from Shuntil, a village in Kharpoot,
Armenia. In 1892 Krikor went to America, leaving Oghda behind with the
thought of working, bringing her to America. Krikor was unaware that Oghda
was pregnant, later giving birth to a son Sarkis.
Krikor worked industriously at American Screw Company, earning funds to
provide passage for Oghda and Sarkis. At this time Sarkis was a young boy
of nine years of age. Never did he dream that he would later marry a young
woman, Marie Khorkharian, who escaped the Genocide by keeping her wits
about her.
Marie Khorkharian was born in Kharert (Kaghak City) and attended
the French Dominican Brother's School in Kharpert. Marie had just graduated
and had her first teaching position when the Turks banished the entire
Armenian population from her city and sent them out into the desert.
Marie became a witness to hell on earth. Her father was tortured and then
killed. Both her grandmother and aunt were burned alive in "The Caves."
One sister was abducted by the Turks, and one brother was taken by the
Kurds. While desperately trying to get water, Marie's mother and the rest
of her siblings drowned.
Somehow Marie made her way to Haleb, Syria. An uncle posted passage
money for her to come to America, but Marie was determined to learn the
fate of her sister and her brother. Many times she bravely ventured back
into Turkey, disguised as a French woman. The Turks called her "Mademosielle
Marie". Under the auspices of the French and English consulates, Marie
was able to locate both her brother and sister. Using diplomatic skills,
Marie was able to arrange for the release of other Armenian orphans. Marie
came to America and made her home in Cambridge, Ma.
Their lives here ...
Krikor and Oghda Sarkisian reestablished their family here in Providence.
In addition to their son Sarkis, they had three more children, Mary, Nubar,
and Celia, and lived first on Bernon Street, then bought a house on 51
Candace Street. There they lived until their deaths.
Krikor worked at American Screw Company until his retirement. Oghda
always tried to remember the less fortunate. She died in 1939, and Krikor
died 20 years later in 1959.
Sarkis was happy to serve his new country in World War I. He learned
skills as an auto mechanic and had his own garage near Orms and Randall
Street.
Sarkis Sarkisian met and married Marie Khorkharian in 1933. They
had two daughters, Ruth and Grace, and lived for a few years at the Candace
Street house with Krikor and Oghda. Later, Sarkis and Marie moved their
family to State Street until they purchased a home on Esten Street. They
lived in that home until they died.
MELKON AND
MARIAM RAFAELIAN
Melkon Rafaelian
was born in Moosh, Turkey and came to the United States in 1913, two years
before the start of the Genocide. Mariam Kodikian was born in Tokat, and
managed to survive the horrors of genocide.
Their history here ...
Melkon and Mariam were married in 1927 and lived in East Providence
for eighteen years. In 1943 they relocated to Goddard Street. He and Mariam
raised four children: Lillian Rafaelian Markarian, Virginia Rafaelian Gregorian,
Anna Rafaelian Demetrakas, and Ralph Rafaelian.
Melkon found employment with the New York, New Haven, Hartford railroad
and took pride in his work. He utilized all his skills to make his work
meaningful.
Melkon and Mariam respected their church and their heritage, and
embued their children with the same strong values.
From their family ...
"Our parents suffered much pain and suffering. Through it all they
both worked hard, and were grateful for the freedoms of this country."
SEROP AND MARY
SIRABIAN
Serop Sirabian was born on December 15, 1892 in the village of Govdoon,
Sepasdia. In 1912 he was part of the immigration to America who had dreams
and hopes of working, saving money and bringing loved ones to freedom.
Again, like so many of his comrades, his dreams were dashed when he received
word that his entire family had been destroyed.
Mary Asadoorian was born in Istanbul, Turkey on May 5, 1897.
Their lives here ...
Even though Serop was devastated by the news of his family tragedy,
his spirit remained undaunted. He was determined to join the Army of General
Antranig and participated in fighting for his country and people. He was
a good soldier, but was wounded and forced to return to Providence. In
1920 he married Mary Asadoorian. Five years later on February 8th, 1925
twin daughters, Sara and Helen, were born at the Sirabian home on Chalkstone
Avenue.
That same year the family made a major move to Highland Park, Michigan,
and the following year Charles was born on September 25, 1926. The Sirabians
stayed in Highland Park until 1933 when the family returned to Providence
and made their residence at 14 Bernon Street, in the Smith Hill section.
Serop continued his involvement with the Armenian community. He was
a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Foundation, the Educational Society
of Govdoon, and the Mourad Fund Committee.
On July 28, 1964 Serop died, and twenty years later, on April 18,
1984, Mary passed away.
From their family ...
"We are very proud of the energy and commitment of our parents to
the Armenian cause."
The Sirabian, Takmakian, and Zorabedian Families
NISHAN AND EVA
MIKAELIAN
Nishan Mikaelian was born in 1903, and his wife Eva was born in 1905
in Govdoon Sivas. The killings associated with the Genocide left Nishan
and Eva with no sanctuary except that of an orphanage, and they spent their
childhood years in various orphanages.
They journeyed to the United States in 1921.
Their lives here ...
Nishan and Eva enjoyed having a home for themselves at the corner
of Douglas Avenue and Venice Street. Here, they had three children, Sarah,
Garo, and Peter. As the family grew, and their fortunes improved, they
moved to 57 Lakeside Drive in Cranston, RI.
Nishan found steady employment at the Kennecott Wire & Cable
Company, a place where he stayed until his retirement.
Nishan and Eva never forgot the difficulties they had experienced
as children. Both gave freely of their time and knowledge to the Armenian
community in Providence. Nishan was a member of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (A.R.F.) for over fifty years. During that time he served in
leadership capacities such as president, treasurer, and secretary. His
purpose remained constant; that of teaching and imparting to Armenian youth,
the facts of their culture and history.
From their family ...
"We are dedicated to continuing the efforts made by our parents."
JOHN AND
DICKRANHOUIE HAZIAN
John Hazian arrived in the United States in 1912 at the age of 17.
He was spared the horrors of the Genocide which Dickranhouie experienced.
She was born in 1904 and was a survivor of the Genocide. Unfortunately,
many of the immediate members of her family were killed. Dickranhouie arrived
in the United States in 1917 and married John in 1920.
Their history here ...
John and Dickranhouie Hazian lived in Haverhill, Massachusetts for
a short period of time where John worked in a shoe factory. They then moved
to South Norwalk, Connecticut until 1926. Providence became their permanent
home in 1926 when they settled upon the operation of a grocery-market on
Elmwood Avenue. Since they made their home on the second floor from the
store, Dickranhouie was able to help her husband John in the grocery business.
They were the proud parents of two sons, Vartkas Paul and Deron John.
Vartkas married Virginia Barsamian from Pawtucket, and they had three sons;
David, a contractor, Gregory, an attorney, and John, who is employed at
the Rhode Island Medical Center.
Deron married Ardemis Hatabian from Watertown, Massachusetts, and
their family includes two daughters, Stephanie, a teacher at the Garden
City School in Cranston and Andrea, an Assistant Vice-President at the
Fleet National Bank in Providence.
Despite a busy schedule with two active sons, Dickranhouie was a
tremendous asset to her husband in his grocery business. They jointly operated
this business until John died in 1962.
1984 was a sad year for the Hazian family as both Dickranhouie and
her son Vartkas died during that time.
From their son ...
"I can still taste the goodness of her paklava, katagh and lemejun;
my mother was an outstanding cook and baker. Thank heaven she lived to
see her grandchildren, all of whom she was so proud."
Deron Hazian