During the exile, when the Armenian people of Sivas reached Kharput, men were separated from their families and sent to the village Vartatil, where the Turks butchered them by every means in their power. Among those unhappy people was Hovhannes' father too.

            On reaching Urfa a Kürd dragged his mother away. In Severeg his sister was taken from him, so he alone went on with the caravan and reached Mardin. There, a rich man, named Saadullah Bey, took him to his house and later sent him to his village 'Khurs' where he had to work 12 years as a farmer.

            One day our agent heard about Hovhannes and sent one of his assistants, who, in Kürdish appearance went to that village and without much difficulties he succeeded in persuading the boy to follow him.

            At night Hovhannes reached on horseback to Hassitshe, whence to us.

Left our care: February 3, 1927. Relatives. America.