California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


ARAKEL KURKJIAN.� The great possibilities offered by the United 
States, and particularly by the state of California, to those of foreign birth, 
have induced many enterprising men from distant lands to immigrate to 
our shores and to avail themselves of these splendid opportunities and in 
due time to become naturalized loyal citizens of our glorious republic. 

Such a man is Arakel Kurkjian, who was born in Agian, Armenia, No- 
vember 8, 1867, where he was reared and received his education. In 1892 he 
immigrated to the United States and for a time he followed his trade of 
shoemaker in Boston. Desiring to see this country and especially the Golden 
State, he migrated to California in 1912. settling in Fresno County where 
he eventually purchased twenty acres of valuable fruit and vine land which 
he afterwards sold, and in 1917 purchased his present ranch of seventy- 
six acres, situated only one and three-quarters miles southeast of Sanger, 
and known as the Lone Oak Vineyard. This ranch is devoted to raisins, 
alfalfa and peaches, and is very highly improved and valuable. Besides 
this ranch, Mr. Kurkjian rents forty acres which he and his brother work 
in partnership. 

In 1895, Arakel Kurkjian was united in marriage with Miss Zumret 
Kaparalan, who is also a native of Armenia. This union was blessed with 
three children : Lewis, who trained for service in the defense of his country, 
at Camp Lewis and then went over seas as a member of the Four Hundred 
Thirty-seventh Regimental Band, and whose splendid record won for him a 
promotion to the non-commissioned office of sergeant; Dirian ; and Marion. 

Mr. Kurkjian is a loyal citizen of the United States and is interested 
in the advancement of Fresno County. He belongs to the California As- 
sociated Raisin Company, and California Peach Growers, Inc. On national 
issues he is a Republican. He and his family belong to the Armenian 
Church.