Narbeg Davitian, Mariam Melikian Davitian, Sarkis Davitian, Khoren Davitian, Marseilles France 1928
Melikians from Prapert
who survived the genocide
Onnik Melikian
Fought as a fedayeen (guerrilla fighter) 1915 - 1919, escaped to Constantinople in 1919. Joined British Foreign Legion. Escaped to Italy in 1922 when he was recognized as a criminal with a price on his head. Immigrated to United States in July, 2023. Settled in Springfield, Massachusetts, married Elmas Melikian in 1927, and had four children (Shaken, Takvor, Salpie, Gorken).
Elmas Melikian
Lived with a Turkish family as a servant for ten years. May have had two children with the son of the family. Rescued (possibly purchased) in 1927 by Mgrdich Melikian, her future father-in-law. Had to leave the children behind. Immigrated to United States in 1927, married Onnik. Settled in Springfield, Massachusetts and had four children (Shaken, Takvor, Salpie, Gorken).
Mgrdich Melikian
Escaped to Russia and worked for a noble family adjacent to the Czar. Arrested in 1917 during the Revolution and sent to Siberia by train. Jumped off the train, walked back to safety. Immigrated to the United States in 1933 and settled in Springfield, Massachusetts with his son Onnik's family. Killed by a reckless driver in 1937.
Mariam Melikian (Ohan's daughter)
Lived with a Turkish family as a servant for ten years. Rescued (possibly purchased) in 1927 by Mgrdich Melikian, her sister Elmas' future father-in-law. Married Sarkis Davitian in 1928 in France. Immigrated to United States in 1928 and settled in Williamson, West Virginia. Had four children (Evelyn, Virginia, Louis, Robert).
Khatchig Melikian
Fought as a fedayeen (guerrilla fighter) 1915 - 1917. Escaped forced march to Adana after being arrested. Walked approx 300 miles back to Prapert. Immigrated to the United States around 1917. Settled in Williamson, West Virginia with the other Merigians and worked at the Melikian Cafe. Died in 1931.
Karnig Melikian
Katchig's son. Unknown how he survived the Genocide. Arrived in the US in 1920. Lived in Williamson, WV and Springfield, MA. Married Hazel Marcum and had four children (Kevork, Karnig, Keneg, Krikor). Died in 1992 in Springfield.
Mardiros Melikian
Immigrated to the US before the Genocide, in 1911. Worked in Texas on the railroad, then moved to Williamson, WV. His father, brother, first spouse and two of his four children were killed in the Genocide. Son Nishan placed with a Turkish farmer and survives. Mardiros marries Eva Melikian and has another son. Dies in 1961 in Springfield.
Nishan Merigian
Age 6 when the Genocide begins. Placed with a poor Turkish farmer and has no news of his family for four years. In 1919, his cousin Onnik comes looking for him, then his new stepmother Eva comes to take him to America. He lives in Springfield, Massachusetts, marries Anahid Zeroogian, and has two children (Mona and Sahag). Dies in 1992 in Springfield.
Levon Melikian
Immigrated to the US before the Genocide, in 1913. His father, mother, and three of his four brothers were killed in the Genocide. Married Asnif Papazian (who may have been a widow) and lived in Maryland, then Wilbraham Massachusetts. Became a successful real estate developer and added a second residence in Daytona Beach, Florida. Died in 1966 in Florida.
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Kevork Merigian
Immigrated to the US before the Genocide, in 1912. Settled in Springfield, Massachusetts and married Areknas Dirazonian in 1922. Ran a grocery store. Had four children (Virginia, Krikor, Alma and Kevork Jr). Died in 1967 in Springfield.
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Hairut Melikian
Unknown how he survived the Genocide. Arrived in the United States in 1920, at age 20. Worked as a barber, married Rose Tavitian, and settled in Springfield, Massachusetts. Had four children (Alice, Serop, Harry Sarkis and Dikran).
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Mariam Melikian (Tumas' daughter)
Unknown how she survived the Genocide. Her brother Kevork's obituary lists her as living in Turkey in 1967.
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Takvor Melikian (Eehya's son)
Unknown how he survived the Genocide. Noted on family stories as living in Greece in 1930.
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Artin Melikian (Hovsep's son)
Unknown how he survived the Genocide. He would have been in his mid-twenties. His father died in the Genocide. He immigrated to Argentina in 1916, then came to the US in 1917 through NYC. He moved to North Dakota in 1917, married Margaret and had one daughter (Mary Esther). In the 1930's he lived in Springfield, MA. He died in 1960 at age 71 in North Dakota.
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Arakel Melikian (Hovsep's son)
Unknown how he survived the Genocide. He would have been in his twenties. His father died in the Genocide. He's listed in family stories as living in California in the 1930s, married with four children (Hovsep, Sarkis, Haig and Aram).
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Istip Melikian (Hovsep's son)​
Unknown how he survived the Genocide. He would have been five years old. His father died in the Genocide. He immigrated to the US, and in 1930 is living in Springfield, Massachusetts with his brother Artin's family.
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