David Vartanian

Who was David Vartanian?

David Vartanian was an Armenian survivor of the Titanic disaster who overcame significant challenges in his life, including persecution in his homeland and separation from his wife. Born on April 15, 1890, in Oror, Kiği, near Erzurum in eastern Turkey, Vartanian’s journey took him from the Ottoman Empire to North America, where he eventually settled and reunited with his family after years of uncertainty.

Early Life and Family

David Vartanian was born into an Armenian family in the Ottoman Empire. His parents were:

Father: Azadia Vartanian
Mother: Sierma Apigian

Growing up as a Christian Armenian in a predominantly Muslim society, David faced significant hardships and discrimination. These challenges would later influence his decision to emigrate to North America.

Marriage and Persecution

In 1911, at the age of 21 (twenty-one), David married Mary Baidzar, who was born on April 15, 1895, in Dzermag, Kiği. Their marriage took place during a tumultuous time for Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. As Christians in a Muslim-dominated society, David and his community faced:

Second-class citizenship status
Harsh persecution
Political and religious unrest

These difficult circumstances ultimately led David to make the life-changing decision to leave his homeland and seek a better life in Canada.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Why did David Vartanian board the Titanic?

David Vartanian boarded the Titanic as part of his plan to escape persecution and start a new life in Canada. He was not alone in this journey; several of his compatriots also made the same decision:

Neshan Krekorian
Arsen Siraganian
Haroutioun Zakarian
Mampré Zakarian

Titanic Voyage Details

Detail	Information
Embarked	Cherbourg
Class	3rd Class
Ticket Number	2658
Ticket Cost	£7, 4s, 6d

The Rescue

David Vartanian was one of the fortunate survivors of the Titanic disaster. While he initially claimed to have been rescued in Collapsible A, historical evidence suggests he was more likely saved in a standard lifeboat, possibly boat 13 or, more probably, boat 15.

Interestingly, the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912 - David’s 22nd (twenty-second) birthday. This coincidence adds a poignant layer to his survival story.

Life After the Titanic

Settlement in Canada

After his rescue, David Vartanian traveled to Hamilton, Ontario, with his fellow survivor Neshan Krekorian. They stayed with Mr. Paul Martin at 108 Princess Street. Vartanian lived in Canada for several years before eventually moving to the United States.

The Long Search for His Wife

During his time in North America, David believed that his wife, Mary, had fallen victim to the Armenian Genocide when their hometown of Kiği was decimated. However, he never gave up hope and continued to write home in an attempt to locate her.

“Following years of perseverance he managed to ascertain that his wife was still alive and he sent money for her to meet him.”

After 11 (eleven) years of separation, David and Mary were finally reunited at Niagara Falls, marking an emotional end to their long period apart.

Family Life in America

Where did the Vartanians settle?

David and Mary Vartanian initially settled in Meadville, Crawford, Pennsylvania. David found employment with the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency that provided jobs for the unemployed during the Great Depression.

Children and Family Growth

The couple went on to have three children:

Jack “Jackie” (1924-1986)
Rose (1926-2012), later Mrs. George Vartanian
Alice (b. 1931), later Mrs. Dan Wojdylack

Later Years

By 1940, the Vartanian family was still residing in Meadville, as recorded in the census of that year. However, they later relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where they would spend their final years.

Legacy and Final Days

David Vartanian passed away on August 3, 1966, in Detroit, Michigan. He was 76 (seventy-six) years old at the time of his death. His final resting place is in Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit.

David Vartanian’s life story is a testament to human resilience and the immigrant experience in early 20th-century America. From surviving religious persecution and the Titanic disaster to rebuilding his life and reuniting with his wife against all odds, Vartanian’s journey embodies the hope and perseverance of many who sought a better life across the Atlantic.