BOGHOS
AND AZNIF OULOOSIAN
Boghos Ouloosian arrived in the United States from Palou in 1914.
He left his family behind with the intention of bringing them to this country.
Unfortunately, only his daughter Azbar survived the 1915 massacres. After
many years of effort, Boghos was finally able to locate his daughter who
joined him in 1927.
In March, 1930, Boghos traveled to Marseilles, France to marry Aznif
Arzoumanian who was born in Izmir, Turkey in 1909. She and her sisters
survived the 1922 massacres in Izmir and fled to Greece for refuge.
Their lives here ...
Boghos and Aznif settled on Bernon Street in Smith Hill in 1930 and
raised five children; Robert, Rose, Betty, Miriam, and Lillian, who died
at the age of two in 1943.
Prior to 1929, Boghos owned and operated a grocery store and ice
cream parlor. Hard hit by the 1929 Depression, Boghos worked in factories,
retiring in 1959 from the Rhode Island Tool Company.
Boghos died in 1965, and Aznif died in 1979.
Boghos' first daughter, Azbar, married Kachig Nalbandian, raised
five daughters, and died in 1992.
From their family ...
"Our parents had a strong devotion to family, church and heritage.
We have tried to continue with their legacy by our own involvement with
church, educational, and social organizations."
HAMAZASP
AND VARTOUHI ARAMIAN VARTIAN
Boghos Vartian came to Rhode Island in 1909 to establish roots and
then, to send for his family. As with so many Armenians, World War I caused
a catastrophic disruption to his plans. The Genocide of 1915 killed his
entire family except the life of his son, Hamazasp.
Hamazasp's life was saved because he kept his wits about him. He
pretended to be dead when he was stabbed by a Turkish soldier in the forehead
with a bayonet. When it was safe for him to move, he went to an American
orphanage where R.I. Senator Green's sister, Esther, happened to be present.
Hamazasp had memorized his father's address, so he asked Esther's
assistance in locating his father. She responded by photographing Hamazasp
and sending the picture to Boghos. A joyous reunion was held between father
and son in Beirut and Hamazasp came to this country in 1923.
Father and son lived on Corliss Street, the present site of the main
facility for the Providence Post Office.
Vartouhi Aramian was born on June 10, 1904. She, along with her brothers
Roupan and Nishan, were the only members of the Aramian family to survive
the Genocide.
Their lives here ...
Hamazasp Vartian married Vartouhi Aramian in 1930. They operated
a neighborhood grocery store on Bridgham Street and lived in a tenament
over the store.
They had three children; Sesak, Ann (deceased), and Catherine. Ann
was the mother of Lynne Ann, Sherry Rose amd Julie Michele Bedrosian. Catherine
is the parent of Laura Jean and Roseann Albanese.
Hamazasp and Vartouhi were the grandparents of seven great grandchildren.
MELKON
AND SARKIS ASSADOURIAN DEPOIAN
The story of the Depoian family sadly illustrates the devastation
that the Genocide wrecked upon the Armenians. What had been a large, close-
knit family was very nearly destroyed except for the will of the children,
especially Hamasia Depoian Poloian, mother of Nevart and Zevart.
Krikor and Altoon Depoian had five children, Elizabeth, Aghavni, Hamasia,
Melkon and Sarkis. They were all born in Khosmat, Palou. Melkon had two
sons, Katchig, born in 1900 and Bagdasar, born in 1901. Sarkis had one
son, Krikor.
Times were difficult. Like many of their countrymen, Melkon and Sarkis
came to America to earn money for their families, but homesick and worried
about his family's safety, in 1914 Sarkis returned to Khosmat, only to
find chaos and terror.
The Jemiet had ordered that all Armenian men were to be rounded up and
detained. Krikor Depoian, patriarch to the Depoian family, was brutally
beaten by the Turks and died three days later from his injuries.
The atrocities included brutal treatment to the women and children. Krikor's
wife Altoon was seized, along with Melkon's wife Vartouhi and their two
children, Katchig and Bagdasar. They were forced to go on a deportation
march, undergoing barbaric conditions. Katchig and Bagdasar were able to
escape; however, the rest of the Depoian family was not as fortunate. Altoon
was never found or seen again; Vartouhi was lost as well as Sarkis's son,
Krikor.
Due to the tremendous turmoil in the villages, it was difficult to learn
exactly how these family members met their fate. In 1917 Hamasia Depoian
Poloian and her daughter Nevart returned to Khosmat to try to locate their
missing family. Here, Hamasia found her brother Sarkis, who had been seeking
to find her. He endangered his own life on more than three occasions, trying
to find lost children. Sarkis couragously worked with the underground network
led by General Mourad to exchange gold pieces for Armenian children, and
to place them in orphanages.
Hamasia found her nephew, Katchig, son of Melkon who was now in America.
On or about 1918, she found Bagdasar, her other nephew, and one branch
of the family was reunited.
The family of Elizabeth Depoian was torn apart. Only she and a daughter
managed to survive the onslaught, losing a son, husband, and another daughter.
Hamasia never again saw her sister Elizabeth who eventually went to Yerevan.
The Depoian children tried desperately to determine the whereabouts
of the members of the family. Sarkis continued to search for news, but
the members were lost forever.
In 1919 Sarkis met and married Anna Vartanian. In order for him to
obtain passage to the United States, Sarkis took on the surname of Assadourian.
Bedros Assadourian, who was a United States citizen, swore in an affidavit
that Sarkis was a relative. This ploy allowed Sarkis and Anna and their
family to book passage from Haleb to Marseilles, France.
Sarkis and Anna Depoian, now Assadourian, had three children, Krikor,
Mary, and Kaspar. He and Anna were never able to come to the United States
and had to make their home in Marseilles. Hamasia never would see her brother
again.
While all these terrible events were happening to his family in Armenia,
Melkon was in America, alone, agonizing about the welfare of his loved
ones. His wife Vartouhi died during the massacres, leaving their sons Katchig
and Bagdasar. Katchig married Altoon, and they had three children, Melkon,
Takouhi, and Hamasia. Bagdasar married Siranoush, and they had two children,
Vartouhi Ojhen and Jean Pierre.
The tragedy of Melkon Dapoian was that he lived alone on Derry Street,
died in 1915, and never saw or knew his sons or his grandchildren. Many
members of Melkon's family still reside in Marseilles, France. Melkon is
buried at the North Burial Ground and is always remembered by Hamasia's
daughter, Nevart Poloian Aramian.
KEROP AND ANNA
MUGURDICHIAN
Kerop Mugurdichian was a native of Chenaz, Palou. He arrived in America
in 1909, and earned his livelihood as a grocer.
Anna Paloulian arrived in America in 1920, having made her way here
from Alexandretta, Syria.
Their lives here ...
Kerop and Anna Mugurdichian made their home on Douglas Avenue, and
then on Whipple Street. Both Kerop and Anna became active in various Armenian
organizations. Kerop participated in the Social Democratic Hunchagan Party.
Anna devoted many hours to the Ladies Aid of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Providence chapter.
Kerop and Anna met with great sadness in America. A daughter was
born to them in 1923, Margaret, who died as a child in 1927. Their son,
Michel, born in 1922 went on to study at Temple University College of Pharmacy
and became a registered pharmacist. He died in 1980.
In 1928 twin daughters were born, and one of them was named in honor
of the child who had lived such a brief life. Bertha and Margaret both
became interested in the health field.
Margaret married Sahag Dakesian and lives in Sudbury, Massachusetts.
Bertha graduated from Roger Williams Hospital School of Nursing, received
her Bachelor of Science degree from Simmons College and a Master of Science
Degree from Boston College. She served as Director of Nursing at the Rhode
Island Department of Health from 1976 to 1990.
From their family ...
"Our parents knew the importance of education and were very proud
that we became health care professionals."
HARRY
AND PALIG HAZARIAN
GARABED
In 1902, when Harry Hazarian was in his early twenties, he emigrated
to America. He joined several other young Armenian men in Providence, living
together in a house on Derry Street. He worked at Eastern Bolt Company
and attended the Rhode Island School of Design in the evening.
In 1908 he returned to Armenia and married Palig Setian. They had
two sons, Garabed, also known as Charles, and Sarkis. Harry returned alone
to America in 1912, and opened a variety store in Olneyville. Palig and
their sons remained in the care of Palig's mother, with the thought that
Harry would send for his family when he was financially able.
The Genocide disrupted their plans. Palig, Garabed and Sarkis were
caught in the mass of Armenians fleeing from the Turks. Horribly, Sarkis,
at age 2, was separated from his mother and brother. His mother thought
he was with his grandmother and his grandmother thought he was with his
mother. Sadly, Sarkis was lost forever.
Harry frantically tried to learn news of his family. With the help
of the Red Cross, in 1923 he learned that Palig and Garabed were alive,
having found refuge in Syria. The family was finally reunited.
Their lives here ...
Harry and Palig came to this country with their surviving son, Garabed.
He was thirteen at the time. In time, Harry and Palig had three daughters,
Marion Bramley, Martha Lucia and Margaret Peck.
An industrious young man, Garabed worked at his father's variety
store while he went to school. Harry expanded the variety story into a
larger market, then adding a liquor store as his fortunes grew. Later,
he acquired several tracts of rental property.
From their family ...
"We have always remembered that we lost a brother, Sarkis, during
the Genocide. He is lost but not forgotten."
VARTAN
AND HAIGANOUSH EKNOIAN
Vartan and Haiganoush Eknoian were both survivors of the turmoil
which racked Armenians during the first half of this century. Haiganoush
was just a little girl when she was placed in an orphanage where she learned
the art of needlework and crafts.
Most importantly, she learned how to read and write there.
Their lives here ...
Vartan Eknoian came to this country in 1913, but Haiganoush was not
able to come until 1930. They lived in South Providence for a short time,
but their long term residence was on Lydia Street, just off Douglas Avenue.
Vartan was able to find work as a sandblaster at the Brown and Sharpe
Manufacturing Company. Even though the work was difficult, Vartan did not
complain. He was proud to be able to support his family at a company which
was conveniently located on Promenade Street. He was able to walk to work.
Haiganoush was very busy with her growing family. She and Vartan had two
children, Setrig and Sarah Prignano. In addition, she worked for the Rhode
Island Hospital Trust National Bank in the maintenance department for about
eight years.
HAGOP AND ESQUHIE
TOUMASIAN
Hagop and Esquhie Toumasian were born in Havav, Palou. They were married
and had a son named Bagdasar. Hagop came to America first, and in 1914,
with the outbreak of World War I, Hagop joined the armed forces.
Hagop's brother Nishan served as a volunteer as an Armenian Legionnaire
under the French flag, under the leadership of General Antranig. Nishan
was the last of the "Gamavour" or volunteers from Rhode Island to pass
away.
Esquhie and her son, Bagdasar, survived the Genocide.
Their lives here ...
Two more children, Harry and Rose, were born to Hagop and Esquhie
here in America. The family lived on Delhi Street.
Their daughter Rose Malkasian lives in Whitensville, Massachusetts.
Their son, Harry, married Agnes Topalian and together since 1956, they
own and operate the first specialized market for Middle Eastern foods,
the well-known Near East Market, presently located on Reservoir Avenue
in Cranston.
Harry followed in the tradition of his father and his uncle by serving
his country in World War II.
From their family ...
"Our parents and our uncle showed us by example to have love and
patiotism for our country. We respect their memory."
HAGOP AND SIROON
HAROOTUNIAN
Hagop Harootunian and Siroon Najarian were both survivors of the Genocide.
Hagop managed to come to America in 1914 with the intentions of bringing
his bride, Siroon, to this country. This event was not to come to pass
until fifteen years later, in 1929, when Siroon was finally able to join
her husband.
Their lives here ...
Hagop and Siroon Harootunian made their home at 120 Mitchell Street.
They had three children, Robert, Charles, and Rosemary. Hagop supported
his family by working as a weaver for a large mill in Olneyville, and Siroon
busied herself by caring for her family and church. She was devoted to
the church and its affiliated organizations, showing her commitment to
the Ladies Guild, Bazaar Committees and the Armenian Relief Society.
From their family ...
"Our parents were proud to know that all their children completed
college. They saw that as part of their reward for having worked so hard."
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
AHARON AND TOURVANDA GARABEDIAN
by
Their Granddaughter
Lorraine Purich
MUSHEK
AND ZARTAR BOGOIAN
MARIAM AND DAVID ZAKAR BOGOIAN
Mushek and Zartar Bogoian were married in Tadem, Harpoot. They had
three children, Mariam, David, and Khatoon. Mushek had a brother, Zakar,
and in 1913, Mushek joined Zakar in Providence. Like so many other Armenians,
Mushek had the hope and dreams of working and bringing his family to the
haven of America.
The nightmare of the Genocide intervened, and there was no communication
among the Bogoian family for 11 years. Mushek never gave up hope. His prayers
were answered when he was told by other immigrants that his family - except
for his daughter, Khatoon, had escaped to France. Khatoon had fallen victim
to the Genocide, along with her grandmother.
In September 1923, David and Mariam were able to join their father,
Mushek, in America. In May, 1925, Zartar was finally able to join her husband,
two children, and her brother-in-law Zakar.
Their lives here ...
Mushek supported his family by working as a polisher for Foster Jewelry,
and his brother, Zakar, worked at the Biltmore Hotel. Mushek and Zartar's
daughter Mariam married at a young age and had four children. Her brother
David opened his own auto repair shop. He married and had three children.
Mushek and Zartar started a second family here in America. Their
daughter Goldie became a skilled seamstress. She married Paul Haroian and
had four children, one of whom, Charles, married and has four children.
Both Goldie and her husband Paul have been active in church and civic organizations.
From their family ...
"Despite the fact that our family was separated for many years, we remember
that there was much love and respect for all. We honor the memory of our
parents by serving the Armenian community as best we can."
BOGOS AND ZARHOUI
VARTIAN
Bogos Vartian managed to come to America in 1910, thereby escaping
from the terrible events of the Genocide. Zarhoui was not as fortunate
and witnessed the horrors perpetrated upon innocent people. She managed
to find refuge in France, and in 1927, Zarhoui came to this country from
France.
Their lives here ...
Bogos and Zarhoui Vartian lived on 17 Corliss Street in Providence.
They had two sons, Manoog and Edward, and a half-brother, Harry. Bogos
supported his family by working in the wood and coal business.
From their family ...
"Our parents were so grateful to have found refuge and safety in
this country. They always urged us to honor and respect our heritage."
AVEDIS
AND ARCHALOOYS DER MANOUELIAN
Avedis and Arshalooys Der Manouelian were both survivors of the Genocide.
With much difficulty they managed to book passage to America and arrived
here in March of 1927.
Their lives here ...
Avedis and Arshalooys settled in the Smith Hill section of Providence,
first living on Chalkstone Avenue, just behind the present location of
Armenian Heritage Park. Their family consisted of three children; Azadouhi
(Dewey) who resided in Dudley, Massachusetts, Margaret, and John. John's
widow, Mary, resides in Warwick with their two sons, Christopher John and
John Avedis.
Avedis supported his family by employment with Brown & Sharpe
Foundry in Providence, and Arshalooys contributed by working in a nearby
laundry for a short time.
Both Avedis and Arshalooys remembered their difficult years in Armenia,
and they made a commitment to help those who had not been as fortunate
as they. With that in mind, they joined others, including Harry Madisian,
Giragos Der Manouelian and Mike Berberian, in the foundation of The Society
of Patrons Learning of Palou Sakrat. The papers for The Society were filed
in the office of the Secretary of State on the 22nd of October, 1958. The
purpose of the organization was to continue to assist the well-being of
the orphans of Palou Sakrat in terms of their everyday living needs, education,
and health.
It was common for immigrants from particular villages to form associations
dedicated to preserving their bonds of friendship.
Avedis belonged to the Palou Sakrat Educational Association, and
Arshalooys devoted her time and energies to the Ladies Guild and the Armenian
Relief Society of St. Vartanantz Church.
PETER K.
AND MIRIAM POLADIAN
Peter K. Poladian was born in Harpoot, Armenia in 1895 in a farming village.
At an early age he was placed in a German orphanage. When he was 12, Peter
was released from the orphanage. He learned that the village elders, who
had held his parents’ land in trust for him, had sold the land. This money
enabled him to flee to Marseilles, France, thereby escaping from conscription
in the Turkish Army. He arrived in America in 1919, settling in Providence.
Miriam Karabalian was born in Guerin, Armenia in 1903. She, too,
lost her home during the Genocide and emigrated to Aleppo, Syria where
she lived for many years. In 1922 she and a sister journeyed to America
to live with another sister in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Their lives here ...
Peter K. Poladian married Miriam Karabalian in 1925. They had two
daughters, Alice and Grayce.
Peter became a businessman with real estate holdings. He also was
the proprietor of a shoemaking shop, ice cream parlor and confectionary
store.
Peter died in July of 1965, and Miriam, in August, 1978.
From their family ...
"Our parents were honest, hard working, religious and intelligent
people. They were both survivors of the Genocide, and that was their most
significant accomplishment."
ABRAHAM AND
VANNINA HAGOPIAN
Abraham Hagopian came to the United States in 1912 with the thought
of earning money to support his family in Palou. As it happened with so
many young Armenians, when the Genocide occurred, his family of twelve
members were slaughtered, leaving Abraham alone, stranded, sickened at
this horrible turn of events.
He came to Pawtucket, RI where he worked at many menial jobs, finally
settling at the American Screw Company as a machine operator. One of his
co-workers was Armenian, who had a sister in Cuba. Vannina had survived
the Genocide and had made her way to Cuba for sanctuary. She displayed
great courage in that she had lost both parents in the Genocide. The co-worker
urged that Abraham meet his sister.
Abraham went to Havanna, Cuba, met Vannina, and married her there.
They returned to the United States and lived on Crimea Street, just one
block from Armenian Heritage Park. Abraham and Vannina had three sons,
Jack, Charles, and Sarkis. Jack presently resides in Key Largo, Fl.
Abraham became involved in politics, using what influence he had
to help others in the area who wanted some help in improving their way
of life.
From their family ...
"I am sure anyone from that era will remember my father, Abraham
Hagopian, and what he and my mother tried to do for their neighbors."
Jack Hagopian
HOVHANNES
AND HAIGOUHI KLANIAN
Hovhannes Klanian was born in Khosmart, Palou. He married Santouth
Tavanian and had two children, Sarah and Casper.
After receiving word that he was about to be conscripted in the Turkish
army, Hovhannes decided that he had to flee to America. He entrusted the
care of his family to his father, Apkar. His father’s final words to Hovhannes
remained always with him, "Don't forget what we have taught you."
He settled in New York City, and opened a grocery store. He was inducted
into the US Army. At the end of the war, he learned the terrible news that
his family had been killed.
Haigouhi Arboian was born in Sivas. During the Genocide, Haigouhi
and her family suffered terribly. The death of Haigouhi's mother was traumatic.
During the night dogs who roamed the area freely devoured the dead woman's
body, thus depriving the family from burying her properly.
The marriage of Hovhannes and Haigouhi was arranged by relatives.
They were married on her arrival at Ellis Island.
Their lives here ...
Hovhannes worked for a while at Nottingham Mills, and then opened
a grocery store at 31 Whipple Street.
Hovhannes and Haigouhi had six children; Sarah, Apkar, Peter, Kasper,
George and Harriet. Kasper and George are deceased. All the children were
born at 31 Whipple Street, with Dr. Arshag Margosian in attendance.
Peter married Lillian Berberian. They have four children: Michelle,
Laura, Peter, and Christine; Harriet Klanian Sylvia had three children,
two sons and a daughter, Ernie, Scott and Sheryl Di Maria; Kasper had a
son, John Jr., who was named in honor of his grandfather, and George had
a son George, Jr. and daughter Kim who recently gave birth to the first
grandson of the Klanian family, Zackary Klanian.
Hovhannes died on July 24, 1954, and Haigouhi died on July 7th, 1967.
SAHAG AND MARIAM
JERANIAN
Sahag Jeranian and Mariam Anusbegian were born in Kaseig, Harpoot.
Sahag was able to come to this country in 1913, escaping the fate that
was ahead for his mother, sisters and their entire families during the
Genocide of 1915. Mariam Anusbegian's entire family, except for her, was
killed.
Miriam arrived in this country in 1923 and was united with Sahag.
Their history here ...
Sahag and Mariam Jeranian settled in Cranston. In order to make a
living, Sahag drew on shoemaking skills he had learned as a young boy in
Kaseig. It was natural for him to open a cobbler and shoe maker shop at
275 Richmond Street in Providence.
Mariam remained at home to care for their four children: Harry, who
was born in 1924, Anna, Elizabeth (Libby), and Victoria (Vicky). The Jeranian
family grew as the children married and had their own families.
Harry married Louise Talanian from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and
they live in Cranston. They had two children, David and Joyce.
Anna married Charles Boghigian from Nashua, New Hampshire, and her
family consisted of Harry, Gregory, Kevin and Linda.
Libby married Paul Shamirian and lives in Providence. Their children
are Paul, Robert and Lisa.
Vicky married Leo Kazarian and had four boys; Leo, Richard, Mark and Peter.
They all reside in Providence.
Throughout his lifetime Sahag remained committed to the organization
known as the Armenian Democratic League (ADL) and was a member of the Knights
of Vartan.
From their family ...
"Our parents' legacy to us was our strong sense of pride in being
Armenians."
AVEDIS AND SARAH
MELDONIAN
Avedis and Sarah Meldonian came to America in 1898 and settled in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Their first son was born in that city but tragically died
in a bicycle accident in 1905.
The couple returned to Armenia and was blessed with the birth of
a daughter Isabel (Armanoush).
Their history here ...
Avedis and Sarah returned to America with their daughter Isabel in
1910. This time they settled in Providence. Their family grew with the
birth of three sons, Albert (Arshag), Anthony (Antranig), and Paul (Armenag).
Avedis earned a living as a weaver in a local mill. In addition,
he owned and operated variety stores in several locations in Providence.
CHARLES
AND HAIGANOUSH KAZARIAN
Garabed (Charles)
and Haiganoush (Agnes Malian) Kazarian were both born in a village known
as Khosmat, Palou. Both miraculously survived the Genocide of 1915, losing
their entire families which included parents, brothers, sisters, their
spouses and children.
In 1915 Garabed escaped with Kevork Malian, and the two men made
their way to America. Neither of them suspected at the time that Garabed
would later marry Kevork’s sister, Haiganoush.
Although Garabed enjoyed the freedoms of America, his passion to
correct the injustices against his family and people motivated him to volunteer
to become a Gamavoor, which is an Armenian Legionnaire. Along with many
other brave Gamavoors, he joined the French Army and fought the front lines
against the Turks in World War I. Garabed served bravely for four years
until he was seriously wounded and sent to a hospital in Damascus.
As fate would have it, Haiganoush was working as a nurse’s aid in
that same hospital. She had managed to escape from the Genocide, and had
sought refuge in the hospital. When Garabed was discharged from the French
Army, he married Haiganoush in Marseilles, France.
Their lives here …
Garabed and Haiganoush arrived in America in 1921 and settled in
the Armenian section of Pawtucket on Japonica Street. After many years
of struggling as immigrants starting their lives together in a new country,
they finally and successfully started a fuel oil business, known as City
Oil Company. With three sons actively involved in the business, City Oil
Company has been in operation for 67 years.
Garabed and Haiganoush were parents to five children: George, Beatrice,
Paul, Alice and Martin. George married Mary Hazarian of Montreal, Canada
and they had three children, Robert, Kenneth and Edward. Beatrice married
Andrew Krekorian, and they had two children, Joyce and John.
Paul is now married to Constance, and they make their home in Cranston.
Roselyn is mother to Paul’s two children, Sandra and Paul B. Alice, who
never married, died at the early age of 34. Martin married Helen Baronian
and they had four children, Charles, Carolyn, Martin and David.
From their children …
"Our parents believed that their greatest accomplishment was surviving
the Genocide. They raised five children with a deep appreciation for this
country which gave them hope, freedom, and prosperity."
JOHN
AND YEVKIN STEPANIAN
ARAXIE BALIAN MALIAN
John Stepanian came to America in 1909 from Khosmat, Palou. Yevkin Balian
came from Izmir on July 4, 1922. John had two sons, Mesrobe and Garabed,
whom he had to leave behind when he came to America. Their mother was a
victim of the Genocide. John and Yevkin met in Providence and married on
November 12, 1922. Araxie Balian, Yevkin’s sister, also survived the Genocide
with her sister and came to Providence.
Their lives here …
John built their first home at the corner of Danforth and Vale Streets,
where he and Yevkin raised their three children, Stephen, Berch and Martha.
John was a carpenter before coming to America, but he worked for Brown
& Sharpe as a moulder until he retired. He was a member of the Palou,
Hovid Organization and served as treasurer.
John was able to bring his sons, Mesrobe and Garabed, to Providence.
They stayed in that city for a short time and relocated to New York. Mesrobe
and Garabed married, and had children and grandchildren. Mesrobe now lives
in Long Branch, NJ, and his brother Garabed has passed away. They were
both survivors of the Genocide.
Yevkin, who had been a teacher in Izmir, was active at Sts. Sahag &
Mesrob Ladies’ Aid and served as recording secretary. She enjoyed the camaraderie
of the other members as they spent many enjoyable hours cooking and baking
for social functions. Yevkin also served as an advisor for the Armenian
School.
John and Yevkin’s son Stephen became a career officer in the Air
Force. He married and had two daughters, Susan and Pamela, and a grandson,
Stephen. He presently lives in Summerville, South Carolina with his wife
Josephine. His brother Berch operated a service station on Smith Street
for many years. Berch married and has two daughters, Debra and Lisa and
a granddaughter, Katie. Berch lives in Smithfield, RI with his wife Alice
(Simonian).
From their children …
"Our parents were so grateful to be able to raise their children
in a country that had so many opportunities for education and advancement
and to be proud of our wonderful heritage."
Martha Stepanian
ERVANT AND SERPOUHIE HAGOPIAN
The biographies of Ervant and Serpouhie Hagopian illustrate the strength
and determination of the many Armenians who suffered through so many unspeakable
horrors of the Genocide. Despite the cruelties which they endured, they
managed to survive, and leave a legacy of kindness and humanity toward
all.
When Ervant Hagopian was eight years old, he became an orphan. His father
Hagop had been killed during the Massacre of 1896, and his mother Varter
and only sister died shortly thereafter. Ervant was forced to live with
relatives.
After several years of this living arrangement, Ervant managed to
emigrate to Egypt where he found work in a hotel as a dishwasher. Being
a resourceful individual, he learned all he could in the kitchen, working
his way up to an assistant for the chef. In 1912 he managed to save enough
money to come to America. He arrived in Fitchburg, MA and with the help
of friends, he established a boarding house for Armenian bachelors who
had settled there.
Serpouhie Kaprielian and her mother Martha suffered through the Genocide
and somehow managed to survive. In 1920, Serpouhie and her mother arrived
in Fitchburg, MA.
Their lives here …
Serpouhie and Ervant knew each other from their homeland of Chimishgazak,
and they were happy to see a familiar face from their homeland. A friendship
developed which matured into marriage in 1920. They made their home in
Worcester, MA.
They had four children, Rose, Elizabeth, Hagop and Gabriel. In 1924
they moved to Providence and settled in the Smith Hill section, first living
on Goddard Street and then onto Holden Street.
Times were difficult for the struggling but growing family. Ervant
started a laundry business which he could not continue during the Depression.
Undaunted, Ervant then began a fruit and vegetable business, using a pushcart
to provide goods and services to the neighborhood. His innate business
abilities enabled him to soon purchase a truck.
World War II began in 1941, interrupting the immediate plans of both
sons, Hagop, known as Jack and Gabriel, known as Gabe, who entered the
service. Hagop’s ambition was to own and operate a chain of supermarkets
once the war was over.
When he returned from the service, Jack married Rose Engeian from
Watertown, MA and they have three sons, Steven, Robert, and Richard. Steven
and his wife Judy have four children, Nicole, Michael, Lucas, and Lindsay;
Robert and his wife Diane have a son Andrew, and finally, Richard and his
wife Lee have three children, Alexandra, Zachary and Paige.
Gabriel married Lee Supurant from Attleboro, MA, and they have four
children, Deborah, Michael, Laurie and Lisa. Deborah married Charles Jette,
and they had three children, Jennifer, Charles, and Emma.
Gabriel and Lee’s son Michael married Juliet; their daughter Laurie married
Michael Beavais, and Lisa is at home.
Jack eventually did get to realize the his dream. What had begun
as a fruit and vegetable business under Ervant’s guidance has become Ro-Jack’s,
a growing chain of 13 supermarkets serving the Attleboro and surrounding
areas. Remembering those who are in need, Jack and Gabe - through Ro-Jack’s
- sponsor a Christmas Party and Dinner for all in the Attleboro area.
Both Rose and Elizabeth Hagopian are active members of the Armenian Relief
Society and continue to follow in the footsteps of their parents. Their
work ethic demonstrates this. Rose Hagopian was employed at Textron and
Narragansett Brewing Company until her retirement, and her sister Elizabeth
was employed at Superior Glass Company for over 50 years. Her employer
Meyer Tenebaum was so impressed with the contributions and efforts of the
Hagopian family that he established the Meyer Tenenbaum Scholarship through
the Armenian Relief Society.
Martha Kaprielian, grandmother, died in 1946, her daughter Serpouhie Hagopian
died in 1962, and her husband, Ervant died in 1976, six years after his
retirement.
From their children …
"Our parents showed us that while we did not have much materially,
we had a big extended family who supported one another. We credit our parents
for teaching us that hard work and respect are valuable assets. All the
children have been active in the Armenian community."
CHARLES
H. AND PARIS TASHJIAN PASHALIAN
Charles Pashalian was born in Palou, and Paris Tashjian was born
in Harpoot. They were among the first wave of Armenians to arrive in America
in 1885.
Their lives here …
It was only natural that Charles earned his living by building houses
as many of his family members were carpenters and skilled craftsmen. In
addition to working as a carpenter, Charles opened a grocery meat market,
and made his deliveries with a horse and buggy.
While Charles was ambitious and industrious, he always found the
time and means to help his fellow Armenians. In particular, one of the
homes he built became a depot for the newly arrived immigrants. This two
decker house had a store on the first floor, and it was attached by a porch
to another house which had a bakery in the rear. The famous address is
172 Douglas Avenue, at the corner of Crimea Street, where the door was
always open to the new arrivals who received shelter, clothes and food.
Stories were exchanged and friendships made.
Charles had two brothers, John and Samuel. When the news of the Genocide
came to them, Samuel organized a rally and together with many local men,
became a Gamavoor. They joined the French Army during World War I to fight
against the Turks.
John Pashalian became the father of six children and lived on Euclid
Street in Cleveland, Ohio. He too was a carpenter.
Paris Tashjian had two sisters, Anna Damarjian and Sarah Zartarian,
and one brother named John.
Charles and Paris Pashalian had several children. Irene Chooljian
lives in Hartford and has a son John. Rose Meldonian (deceased) lived in
California with her children Richard and Robert. Joseph married Alice Jermagian
and has two daughters, Joan Pasha Morrison and Joyce. Of particular interest
is Alice’s mother, Aghavni Kupelian, who grew up in a German orphanage.
There she learned to read and write in English, and spoke the language
fluently. Since many people were uneducated at that time, her skill was
very special.
Zarrie married Omer Dionne and lives in California with their two
children, Richard and Brenda. Charles and Paris’ youngest daughter, Anna,
has two daughters and lives in West Hollywood, California.
The Pashalians are remembered for their kindness and hospitality
as well as for their generosity. They were one of the founders of the Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church on Jefferson Street.
Our parents believed that giving and supporting the church and community
was important. One son Joe Pashalian has kept this tradition alive by opening
the back room to his shop, the Boston Submarine Shop in Cranston, as a
friendly meeting place for local dignitaries to gather for discussions.
KRIKOR
AND SULTAN MIKAELIAN TOPALIAN
Krikor and Sultan Topalian were born, raised, and married in the city of
Govdoon, Sivas, Armenia. Together they had two children, a son Katchig
and a daughter Baidzar. As living conditions became more hazardous, in
1911 Krikor decided to leave for America. His plan, like that of so many
Armenian men facing the same situation, was to come to America, save money
for passage for his wife Sultan and his sons to come him in America.
The horror of the Genocide changed Krikor’s plans. He anxiously awaited
word regarding his families safety, and when he finally received news,
there was both good news and bad. Sultan had managed to survive, but both
children, Sarkis and Baidzar, had succumbed to illness. In addition, members
of both Krikor and Sultan’s families died. It was rumored to Krikor that
his sister Armenevie may have received shelter in one of the orphanages
in the Middle East. Hopefully, one day Krikor and Armenevie may be reunited.
In 1920 Krikor sent his nephew to secure Sultan’s travel to Ellis
Island, America.
Their lives here …
Krikor and Sultan settled in Providence and raised three children,
Baidzar, Asdghig (Starre) and Kacheg. In order to provide for his family,
Krikor was employed as a baker in Thompson’s Cafeteria and as a line employee
at Washburn Wire. Finally, he became self-employed as the owner of a mom
and pop variety store on Bernon Street.
Baidzar Harrison now makes her home in Houston, Texas with her four
children, Donald, Cheryl, Karl and Karen. Asdghig married Moses (Joe) Najarian
and had three children, Louis, Barbara and Jo-Ann. Louis Najarian is married
to Elenne, Barbara married Charles Kelly, and Jo-Ann Libardie Kassabian
completes the family.
Asdghig (Starre) now lives in Pawtucket. Kacheg married Anna Karoghlanian
of Boston. They made their home in Pawtucket and have three children, Suzanne,
Debra and Kenneth.
The children and grandchildren of Krikor and Sultan have continued
the family tradition of support for Armenian institutions. After the disastrous
earthquake in Armenia, Louis Najarian, now a physician, mobilized his staff
to assist the victims to help the wounded and the ill. Another grandson,
Kenneth Topalian, participated in the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer.
HARRY
AND ANGELINA CALISE BEDROSIAN
Harry Bedrosian was born in Tepeh, Palou. He loved his homeland and often
reminisced about how beautiful the countryside was. However, the peaceful
landscape was destroyed by the vengeful Genocide which destroyed all of
Harry’s family, except for him and two sisters.
One sister made her way to Marseilles, France, and the other successfully
managed to come to America. Harry journeyed by boat to Ellis Island where
he was terrified by the entrance examiniations that were being conducted.
His fear was that the authorities would return him to the chaos he had
left behind. He jumped ship and went to Canada. After sufficient time had
passed, he went to Rhode Island where he met and married Angelina Calise.
Their lives here …
Harry and Angelina made their home in Smith Hill, where Angelina
embraced the Armenia culture and language. She became fluent in Armenian,
and learned how to cook Harry’s favorite Armenian foods. He himself was
employed as a cook at Child’s Restaurant and McGarry’s Restaurant, both
popular eating establishments in downtown Providence.
Harry and Angelina had five daughters, Sarah, Lucy, Catherine, Audrey
and Joyce. The Bedrosian children presented their parents with 13 grandchildren,
24 great grandchildren and 22 great, great grandchildren.
From their children …
"Our father always was proud of his homeland, and we have imparted
that pride to all his progeny."
HAGOP AND
ARSHALOUS MADOIAN
Hagop Madoian was born in December 1903 in the village of Aghd, in
Sepastia, Turkey. He was the son of Manoog and Almast Madoian and had two
brothers, Khachig and Puzant, and a sister Mariam. Prior to the onset of
the massacres in 1915, Hagop’s father Manoog came to America in order to
earn some money to send to his family. His plan was to return to Sepastia;
unfortunately, Manoog was never able to do so.
During the time of the massacres, Hagop’s mother Almast, his brothers
Khachig and Puzant, and his sister Mariam died. Somehow Hagop managed to
survive, but he endured unbearable hardships. An orphanage in Malatia provided
refuge, and an opportunity to get schooling.
In 1923 after his father Manoog made contact with him and gave financial
help, Hagop made his way to America. He arrived in a port in New York,
first coming to East Providence, and then to Providence RI, where a joyous
reunion took place between Manoog and Hagop.
Manoog eventually remarried and he and his wife Margaret had a son
John.
Arshalous Madoian, a distant cousin of Hagop, was born in 1910, in
the same village, Aghd. Her entire family of parents, two brothers and
one sister, were murdered in the 1915 massacres. After suffering many years
of hardship, in the spring of 1928, Arshalous arrived in Providence, and
in July of that year, she and Hagop were married.
Their lives here …
Hagop and Arshalous Madoian had five children, all of whom were married
and had children - Alice,
Aram, John, Aroxie and Ann. Alice married A. Earl Morrissey and had two
children, Deborah and Mark. Deborah married Francis Laffey, and Mark married
Julia Hiscock, and they have a son Max. Aram married Virginia Simonian,
and they had two sons, Gregory and David. Gregory and his wife Margaret
have a son Paul, and David is single. John married Helen Gomes, and their
daughter Adele married Fred Prisco. Adele and Fred have three children,
Daniel, Jonathan, and Emily. John and Helen’s other son, Christopher and
his wife Sue have two children, Alexander and Matthew. Aroxie married Nishan
Ned Apigian, and their daughter Heather married Ara Krafian, giving them
two granddaughters, Araxi and Nairi. Last, Ann "Bege" married Vaghinag
Koroghlian (deceased), and had four children, Kim, Nicole, Melanie, and
David.
Sadly, in April 1948 Arshalous passed away at the young age og 38
after a lengthy illness. After the death of Arshalous, Hagop concentrated
on raising his young family, being both Mother and Father to them.
During his lifetime Hagop worked primarily as a cook, having started
out as a dishwasher. In 1966 he retired from the Sheraton Biltmore Hotel
in Providence. For over fifty years Hagop lived on Mansfield Street, just
off Douglas Avenue, not far from the Armenian Heritage Park. He belonged
to the Sts. Vartanantz Church and was a lifelong subscriber to "The Hairenik",
the Armenian language newspaper. In his later years, when the new wave
of Armenian immigrants began arriving in Providence, Hagop gave willingly
and eagerly the wisdom of his own experiences. The immigrants were extremely
appreciative and spoke very highly of him.
The specialty line dance known as the Sepastia `Bar" with its unique
steps has been passed on for generations, and is still performed by members
of this family at our picnics.
At the time of his death in April 1992, Hagop had eleven grandchildren
and one great-grandchild. This was his greatest legacy.
From their family …
"We dedicate this remembrance with love and respect in their memory."