MERHAN
AND MARIAM SERABIAN
Merhan Serabian was born in Sivas, Turkey and arrived in America
in 1913. His wife, Mariam Chaderjian, was also born in Sivas, and she arrived
in Providence in June, 1920. She suffered tremendous personal loss during
the Genocide, but Mariam survived the horror.
Their lives here ...
Merhan Serabian married Mariam Chaderjian in Providence on November
14, 1920, and their first home was at 149 Douglas Avenue. Merhan supported
Mariam and his family of two boys, Nishan and Paul, and one daughter, Victoria,
by working as a wireworker at Washburn Wire Company. Mariam devoted herself
to the care and education of their children.
Nishan was born on December 5th, 1921 and married Mary Zakarian from
Pawtucket. Nishan was educated at Bryant College, and is a professional
public accountant. He presently is the controller for the Rhode Island
Lottery. Nishan and Mary had four children, Dr. Beverly Serabian, a clinical
psychologist, Linda, who holds a Master's Degree in Social Work, Deborah,
also in social work and Malcolm, a computer science analyst. Nishan and
Mary are the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.
The second son of Merhan and Mariam, Paul, was born on November 1st,
1922. He and his wife Mary were the proprietors of a Stamp and Coin Shop,
but Paul is deceased. The children of Paul and Mary have distinguished
themselves in professional careers. Paul Serabian Jr. II served in the
US Navy for 30 years as a Chief Petty Officer. Paul Serabian III was a
Laboratory Assistant, but is deceased. Patricia Serabian is a gift shop
owner, and her sister Susan Byrnett is a Certified Financial Analyst. Mary
Serabian Castrigiano is the owner of a child care center; Roberta Gordon
is a Personnel Manager at Brown University. Roxy Serabian is a chemist
for American Brands. Nishan is an electrical engineer for the City of Cranston;
his brother Robert is the store manager of a national chain and Merhan
(named for his grandfather) Russell Serabian is a stockbroker. There are
18 grandchildren.
Victoria, the only daughter of Merhan and Mariam, married Frank Di
Petrillo and had two children, Edward and Eva. Edward Di Petrillo is a
Human Relations Director and Eva, a school teacher. Victoria and Frank
have three grandchildren.
Merhan and Mariam were industrious individuals who instilled in their
children the values of a good education and a strong work ethic. Mariam
died on December 1st, 1978, and Merhan followed nine years later, on July
10th, 1987. They were so proud of their children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren.
HAGOP AND
ARSHALOUS MADOIAN
"We treasure and respect the memories of our parents and their relatives
who suffered through so many atrocities."
Aram Madoian and Alice Madoian Morrissey
KACHADOOR
AND VICTORIA MINASSIAN
Kachadoor Minassian and Victoria Karabalian Minassian survived the
terrors of the Genocide of 1915. Kachadoor was able to come to this country
around 1920, while Victoria's time and path was different.
Victoria Karadalian was born in Guerin, Armenia in 1897. She had
been exiled from her home during the Genocide and after much hardship and
suffering, found herself in Aleppo, Syria with the remnants of what had
once been a large family. A sister had already established herself in Massachusetts,
and in 1922, Victoria booked passage to America with another of her sisters.
In 1923 she met and married Kachadoor Minassian who made his residence
in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Since Victoria had lost so many members of her family, she wanted
to remain in close proximity to her sister, who was now living in Providence.
She and Kachadoor moved to Providence to make their home.
Kachadoor and Victoria had no children, but shared their love with
several nieces.
From their niece...
"We respectfully remember our aunt and uncle. Our aunt was like a
second mother to us."
Grayce Simonian
BEDROS AND
VARTOUHI MARKARIAN
Bedros Shehigian, the son of Markar and Surpouhi, was born in Rumania.
He came to America in 1911, and adopted the surname of Markarian. His wife
Vartouhi, also known as Rose, was born in Constantinople and made her way
to this country in 1921.
Their lives here ...
Both Bedros and Vartouhi demonstrated a fluency with foreign languages.
Bedros spoke six languages and was especially fluent in Italian while Vartouhi
could speak several languages.
Their talent and abilities with foreign languages directly benefitted
the Armenian immigrant community. Many of the newly arrived families required
assistance with English and the numerous language barriers that come with
a new environment. Bedros, who was affectionately known as Mushetzi Peter,
became a member of the Democratic State Committee, and used his political
influence to assist families, especially in the Douglas Avenue area with
social and economic issues.
His wife Vartouhi became very active in many Armenian charitable
organizations. St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church was the focus of
her religious life, and she and Bedros served the church in many capacities.
Bedros and Vartouhi lived at 24 Whipple Street and raised five children;
Vartges (Varkis), Surpouhi (Lillian), Hagop (Jack), Aram, and Drtad (William).
Lillian married Martin Bolodian who distinguished himself by becoming one
of the founding members of the Armenian Martyrs' Memorial Committee of
Providence, RI. This committee spearheaded and successfully completed the
creation of the Memorial Monument at the North Burial Ground.
Their son Vartges has continued the family tradition of involvement with
the Church by serving on the Board of Trustees of St. Vartanantz Church.
The children of Bedros and Vartouhi have contributed to the enrichment
of the Armenian community by their involvement with the church and affiliated
organizations.
JOHN AND KATHERINE
MAGARIAN
John Magarian's birthplace was in Baghin, Palou. During the Genocide,
his mother, father, sisters, and brother were killed. Only two of his brothers
survived, and they came to America by way of Cuba.
Katherine Chakoian's family suffered horribly too. She left Baghin,
Palou after losing her father and three sisters to the massacre. Her mother
and Katherine were separated during this intense turmoil, and Katherine
was placed in an orphanage. Her mother, however, never gave up hope of
finding her, and after a frantic four year search, mother and daughter
were reunited.
Katherine Chakoian and John Magarian found one another in Cuba and
were married. They came to this country in 1927.
Their history here ...
John and Katherine were grateful to have two sons and two daughters:
Mary Zorabedian and Agnes Connery; Matthew and Richard Magarian.
Their father John died on Christmas Eve, December 24th, 1993 at the
age of 89. His widow Katherine is now one of the living survivors of the
Genocide of 1915. She retains total recall of the horrors she witnessed.
At the time of this testimony, Katherine is 88 years old.
DONIG
AND VARVAR MARKARIAN
HAIG MARKARIAN
Donig Markarian was born in Okou, Palou, and Varvar Mildoian was
born in Teppe, Palou. Varvar was orphaned at an early age. Donig's family
provided her with a home with the understanding that Varvar would marry
Donig when she became of age. Donig and Varvar did marry and had a son
named Haig. Donig and several of his male relatives came to America in
1912, arrived in Providence and lived on Douglas Avenue. Some years later
they moved to the midwest, then on to Montana and Wyoming searching for
work. After laboring on the railroads, the men returned to Providence and
settled on Douglas Avenue. They worked at any jobs which were available.
Meanwhile, during the massacre of 1915, Donig's father and three
brothers were killed. His wife, Varvar, and son Haig survived.
Their history here ...
In 1927, 15 years after his own arrival, Donig was able to provide
passage for Varvar and Haig to come to America. The family settled on Douglas
Avenue. Soon their family grew with the addition of Margaret, Mariam (Mary),
and Satenig (Sarah). Donig and Varvar lived out their lives in and around
the Douglas Avenue area, and finally made a permanent home on Bernon Street.
Varvar passed away in July, 1961, and Donig, in March, 1982.
From their children ...
"Our parents stressed the importance of their heritage. They would be pleased
to know that their children are always ready to serve, to support the church
and its activities."
SHABOUH
AND SIRANOUSH HAGOPIAN
Shabouh Hagopian was the son of Dickran and Mary Palian Hagopian.
Both parents were born in Sivas Turkey and farmed the land.
Siranoush was the youngest of six children of Esgander and Sermout
Pilafian Gurganian. Esgander died before Siranoush was born, and the family
tragedy continued with the death of Sermout, shortly after the birth of
Siranoush. These deaths left Siranoush and her siblings to the fate of
orphanages.
Siranoush had two sisters, Oski Gurganian and Azniv Tarpinian, and two
brothers, Vartan and Varoujan.
Siranoush was raised in a Swiss orphanage, and at the age of 16,
she was brought to this country on January 11, 1921 to marry Shabouh, who
was thirteen years older than she.
Their lives here ...
Shabouh Hagopian and Siranoush Gurganian were married in March, 1921.
Together they had seven children, four boys and three girls. Three of the
boys died shortly after birth. The surviving children were Margaret, Irene,
Oski (Rusty), and Richard. Shabouh supported his family for over 45 years
at the Washburn Wire Company in East Providence as a craneman. He also
maintained a grocery store on State Street, Providence until 1943.
Margaret married Stanley D. Askew, Sr. and had two children, Nita
J. and Stanley D. Jr., who married Linda Puckett. Stanley and Linda had
three children, Sarah L., Cheryl A., and David A. Irene married Arthur
D. Santagata, and they had two sons, Arthur. L and Kenneth R. Arthur L.
married Rosemarie Mangiacapro and Kenneth married Pamela DePari. Their
daughter Pamela had a daughter, Patricia M. Pintarelli, who has one son,
Louis A.
Oski "Rusty" Hagopian has continued to support the church and social organizations
in the tradition of her parents, Shabouh and Siranoush.
Richard Hagopian married Sue Ann Pisani and had four children, Michael.
R., Stephan M., Paul R., and Linda M.
ARAM AND
NAZENE DER MANOUELIAN
Aram Der Manouelian was born in Palou in the village of Tsark. He survived
the Genocide of 1915, and found his way to Providence in 1921. Nazene Derderian
and her two sisters survived the Genocide but lost their mother.
Their history here ..
Aram Der Manouelian married Nazene Derderian, and in 1929 they added
a daughter to their family, Anahith. To support his family, Aram managed
a restaurant in Market Square, which was considered to be the downtown
district in the early 30's. Tragedy struck the Der Manouelian family in
1933 when Aram unexpectedly died at an early age. Nazene remarried in 1934
with Boghos Mooradian in an arranged marriage by the elder Tzetasis.
Anahith, the daughter of Aram and Nazene, married Michael Boyajian.
Their three sons, Aram, Michael, and Mark, have blessed them with seven
grandchildren.
BOGHOS AND
NAZENE MOORADIAN
Boghos Mooradian and Nazene Derderian were born in the Tzet village
of Palou. Both survived the Genocide, although Nazene's mother, Tourvanda,
was killed. Boghos went from the orphanages to Marseilles, France, married
and had a daughter, Anna. Tragically, his wife died in childbirth. Boghos
and his daughter Anna came to Providence in 1929.
Nazene Derderian was brought to this country by her father Nazareth
in 1924.
Their lives here ...
Nazene was 16 at the time when she arrived in America. She married
another Genocide survivor, Aram Der Manouelian, and they had a child Anahith.
In 1933, Aram died, leaving Nazene with a small daughter to care for.
Boghos was in similar circumstances. Since Anna's mother had died
in childbirth, Boghos was struggling to be both father and mother to his
young daughter. The elder Tzetasis believed that Boghos and Nazene would
have a successful life together. They arranged for the marriage of Boghos
and Nazene in 1934.
Together, Boghos and Nazene added to their families with the births
of a son Moorad in 1935 and a daughter Baizar in 1941.
Boghos supported his family by becoming a barber. His shop was at
188 Douglas Avenue where the family also made their residence. He worked
at his livelihood until his death in 1962. Nazene was fortunate to live
long enough to see the marriages of their children and the births of their
grandchildren. She died in 1994.
Anna - Boghos' daughter - married Harry Chobanian. Their four children,
Nishon, Harry, Paul and Mary Ann, gave them 12 grandchildren. Anahith -
Nazene's daughter - married Michael Boyajian and had three sons, Aram (in
honor of her birth father), Michael, and Mark. They have seven grandchildren.
Moorad married Lillian Eastham. Their children, Paul, Martin, Nathlie and
Greg, gave them seven grandchildren. Moorad's sister, Baizar (Beatrice)
Petricone completed the family tree with two sons, Michael and Adam, two
daughters, Cheryl and Roseann, and four grandchildren.
ARMENAG
AND MARGARET JANIGIAN
Armenag Janigian was born in 1893, in Palou, the son of Kevork and
Mariam Sharigian Janigian. Armenag had a sister Vartouhi. At a very early
age, Armenag had to leave his family to make the journey to America by
way of Holland and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Finally, he reached his destination,
Providence, RI in 1910.
Margaret Surabian was born in 1895 in Husenig, Kharpet, the daughter
of Hagop and Mariam (Hovsepian) Surabian. Margaret had a brother also,
but he died as a child due to illness.
Hagop was a man of considerable fame. He had a stage name of "Hashash"
and was the World's Champion Dervish Dancer with the Barnum and Bailey's
Circus. He travelled the world, and left Mariam in Husenig when Margaret
was an infant of just 40 days. He gained American citizenship, and tried
unsuccessfully to bring his wife and child safely to the United States.
The Genocide put an end to those plans. Mariam died in Husenig, and Margaret
escaped to Beirut, and then Aleppo, Syria. In 1920 Margaret Surabian came
to Ellis Island.
Their lives here ...
Armenag Janigian had no relatives here. He lived with a group of Armenian
bachelors who gave him companionship as well as strength to survive in
this new country. Margaret Surabian did not have an opportunity to see
her father as he died from asphyxiation prior to her arrival. At first,
Margaret lived with a paternal aunt in Camden, New Jersey, then she moved
to Providence to live with an uncle.
In 1923 Armenag married Margaret in Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian
Apostolic Church in Providence. They had two children, Mary and George.
Armenag and Margaret lived on 182 Douglas Avenue, in the heart of
the Armenian community. The Janigian family maintained a quiet life style,
but they were a vital part of their community.
Armenag died on October 12, 1955, and Margaret died on February 23,
1972. Both are buried in North Burial Cemetery.
NAZARETH DERDERIAN
Nazareth Derderian was born in the Tzet village in Palou. He was
married to Tourvanda, and had three daughters, Zartar, Lucy and Nazene.
He arrived in Providence in 1907 with the intention of working and saving
enough money to secure safe passage for his wife and three daughters. The
horrible events of the Genocide destroyed his plans when Tourvanda, his
beloved wife, was killed. He was, however, successful in bringing his three
daughters here.
His life here ...
Nazareth worked as a laborer in the screw factory. Always a saver, he accumulated
enough funds to open an Armenian Club on Douglas Avenue which became a
favorite gathering place for other Armenian immigrants.
All three daughters married Palvutzees. Zartar Moorachian, Lucy Markarian
and Nazene Der Manouelian Mooradian are buried with their husbands and
their father Nazareth in North Burial Grounds in Providence.
ANDREW AND LUCY
MARKARIAN
Andrew Markarian was born in Palou Armenia on March 15, 1898 in the
village of Oakvasee. He emigrated to Liverpool, England and arrived, at
age 30, in Portland, Maine on January 15, 1913. He worked on the railroads
in the Midwest. Andrew came to Providence and resided at 65 Douglas Avenue.
Lucy, the daughter of Nazareth and Tourvanda Derderian, was born
in Setarsee, Palou. She came to the United States in 1926 and lived at
31 Bush Street.
Their history here ...
Andrew and Lucy married in the United States on May 5th, 1928. Lucy
remained a homemaker, caring for their three children; Martha - who married
Aram Tateosian, Theresa - who married John Parfitt, and Paul Vartan, who
has two sons. Nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren complete the
family.
Andrew became a citizen on April 26, 1943. He worked as a laborer
in a foundry, for the W.P.A., and then for a laundry. He later operated
the well-known Armenian Social Democratic Club on Douglas Avenue. This
club for men served as a meeting place where news of the old country was
disseminated, support was given to one another, and friendships maintained.
Andrew died on February 2, 1969 and Lucy died thirteen years later,
on November 23, 1982.
From their children ...
"Although our home at 31 Bush Street was torn down to make room for
Interstate Route 95 from Douglas Avenue, you can still see the tree from
our home on the right side of the road. Although the tree is the only obvious
reminder of the house, we have fond memories in our hearts of family and
friends from this neighborhood."