The History of the Armenians of Charsanjak
Bedros Poochigian (1876-1960)
Fresno, California, About 1956

Bedros Poochigian, born in Perri, Charsanjak, Armenia, was an important figure in the Compatriotic Union of Charsanjak. For several years, Bedros was a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Compatriotic Union of Charsanjak.  According to the "The History of the Armenians of Charsanjak," in 1956, Bedros Poochigian was one of the best representatives of the older generation from Charsanjak.  The book says, he kept the wonderful tradition of Perri alive, and he participated in writing the section of the book about the way of life in Perri.

The "History of the Armenians of Charsanjak" says, "we called Bedros Poochigian 'Nahabed,' the patriarch of the people from Perri."  The book continues to say, he was one of the first Armenians who came to the United States and was the only person living from his generation in 1956.  He lived in California where he had his family including children and grand children around him.

Bedros Poochigian, the son of Sahag Poochigian, married Bahare Marderosian about 1895 in Perri, Charsanjak, Armenia.  Bedros and Bahare had two sons, Kevork (George) Poochigian (1896-1981) and Hovannes Poochigian (abt. 1898-abt. 1900) who were both born in Perri.  Following Bahare's death about 1903 in Perri, Bedros married Mariam Simonian in Fresno, California in 1908.  Bedros and Mariam had eight children, Vaughn Poochigian (1909-1996), Anne Poochigian Sarver (1911-1995), Roxie Poochigian Shahinian (1913-1968), Ruby Poochigian Boolootian (1914-1980), Vasken (William) Poochigian (1917-1986), Servart (Grace) Poochigian Hovsepian (b. 1919), and Vartkes (Vernon) Poochigian (b. 1920), who were all born in Fresno, California.

Source:  "The History of the Armenians of Charsanjak" by K. S. Yerevanian
Published for the Compatriotic Union of Charsanjak
Beirut, Lebanon and Fresno, California
Printed in Beirut, Lebanon, 1956

From the Libraries of Queenie Poochigian (b. 1925) & Sonia Poochikian Sarkissian (b. 1953)
Translated by Julie Nakashian Poochigian (b. 1952)  & Sonia Poochikian Sarkissian (b. 1953)