Thirtieth Memorial Anniversary Historical and Business Brochure - Greek, Syrian, Armenian Colonies of Williamson, West Virginia by Dio Adallis
Note: The author of the “Historical Sketch of Williamson Syrian Colony” is a Greek, Dio Adallis. He produced at least ten of these sketches of Syrian and Greek communities in WV and Tennessee. There is only one in a library—the New York Public Library—that has a copy of the Williamson version and they will not allow it be distributed by interlibrary loan. Someday when you visit New York City you’ll have to examine the booklet at the NYPL.
The Williamson version has besides the Syrian section, a Greek section, an Armenian section, a small section of the Orthodox Eastern Church, a paragraph about Jewish citizens, and about 30 short paragraphs about the leading businessmen of the city.
I have not been able to find the original booklet, and the copy I have is of inferior quality.
I remember Williamson: as a cosmopolitan place, though it would be years before I knew the word “cosmopolitan." Pikeville, a mere 30 miles away in Eastern Kentucky was the opposite—a town with virtually no immigrants. Two of my uncles had a grocery store and learned that they should not speak Arabic in the store, only English.
Williamson, with its large immigrant population was at the same time Southern in attitude: we were a segregated town. Blacks had their own schools, and district. It was years before I learned the word “segregation” and I was a college freshmen before I became aware that for the first time in my life, there were black students at my school, though not very many.
This article, one of several articles in a booklet published in 1937, offers a rare insight into the early years of Kfeirian immigrants and how they managed to become successful citizens. Williamson, WV was a vibrant city of 9,410 in 1930, having been established in 1892. The trading had a population of nearly 100,000 which accounted for the success of local businesses, many Kfeirian owned. In 1930, Kfeirians referred to themselves as Syrians. - Abe J. Bassett
The Historical Sketch of Williamson, WV - A Syrian Colony
There is no Syrian race, in the same sense as there is no American race, outside, of course, the Autochthonous Indians. A race is composed of homogenous people, not necessarily speaking the same language or having the same faith. We can say, for instance, Semitic race or Jewish race. The Arab race, and in no lesser degree, Greek race, Armenian race, Latin race, but not very well English race, French race. We can say though of English as English people of Anglo-Saxon, Celtic or Cumbraic race; French people of Latin race.
Syrian people are of a highly mixed origin: Hittites, Egyptians, Armenoids, Greeks, Romans, Assyrians, Turks, Kurds and Arabs. Well, America is no better in that respect, peopled as she is from all races and nationalities, including Negroes and Chinese.
So, a Syrian is a person born in Syria and identified mostly by his religion: Christian, Mohammendan, Yezidi, Druse. The Christians are mostly descendants of Greek, Latin and the minor branches of Aryan races: the Mohammedans chiefly of the Arabs. Practically, there is no social and family ties between them, although they speak the same common Arabic language.
The area of Lebanon, in proportion to its size, is a densely populated country – a coastal strip along the Mediterranean Sea about fifty miles wide and three hundred miles long, with more than three million population of whom two-thirds are Mohammedans, half a million Christians and 125,000 Druses. The Druses, warlike Arabic tribes, live in the mountain valleys of the Lebanon itself and in central Syria – having three strongholds in the district of Shuf and Metu (where they live with the agricultural Maronites whom they raid frequently), the western slopes of Mt. Hermon, and the mountains of El Hauran.
In religion they call themselves Muwahhidin or Unitarians and believe only in one (Wahdu) God, who is indefinable, incomprehensible, ineffable, and passionless. They do not proselyte but keep their religious tenets rigidly secret (and hate the French!) They believe that the souls of the virtuous pass after death into ever new incarnations of greater perfection, until at last they are absorbed into its Deity itself. The wicked are degraded to the level of dogs and camels. Of these tribes, quite a few are found in Mercer and McDowell counties of West Virginia.
The Maronites are Catholics, and on the grassy seaward slopes of the mountains bordering the Gulf of Alexandretta are the settlements of Ansarirebs. From the North the Taurus mountains shut Syria off from the Anatolian plains, the mountains of Lebanon terminate on the east, and the desert separates it from Mesopotamia on the east. On the eastern border of the better-watered coastal strip are the sown lands, the grain growing regions. Damascus is the metropolis there – the most ancient city of Syria and the richest, with a population exceeding 250,000; and Beirut, Syria’s chief seaport.
Over this ancient land French people rule under mandate. From the days of the early Phoenician traders, long before the Christian era, France had maintained commercial intercourse with Syria, through her ancient Greek colony of Marseilles. During the Crusades France took the lead in the effort to redeem the Holy Land from the Saracens. In Tripoli, the Antioch, and Jerusalem, French princes reigned, and played a noble part in the redemption of the lands sacred to Christians. Pope conferred on French kings the title of “Protector of Oriental Christians” Interested thus from earliest times, France invested huge capital in Syria, in commerce, industry, and in her railroads – adding also the influence of French thought and life over the people. French school are more numerous there than in any other foreign nation, and America maintains in Beirut, one of the best colleges or universities ever founded by American missionaries anywhere. Therefore, France considers herself very needful in Syria in safeguarding her interest, as well as her integrity, of western civilization against the anarchy of Mohammedanism.
Rabid Syrians of the Moslem cult want to see Syria extend her boundaries to include Palestine southward as in the days of the Crusades. They say Palestine is Arab land, since the Jew constitute only a little more than one-tenth of the total population. They believe that in a Zionist state of Jews will secure political control and would not respect the “holy places” as impartially as would an outside, established power – for, as you see, these “holy places” include places sacred to the Christian and to the Moslem, as well as the Jew.
The Catholics and the Maronites, of course, prefer French protection, the Greek Orthodox would like to see Syria an independent nation. Seeing that this booklet is not intended for a political treatise, we beg to refer out readers to other works of history.
Most of Williamson high type Syrians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Greek Church and descend on the whole from Macedonians, Greek, and Byzantines. They are almost discernible from their ethnic cranial and facial features. The orthodox Syrians love their church next to their home. In fact, their home and church are one and inalienable in their thoughts and daily life. They adhere loyalty to their religion because they are born to it, like most of the people who have been enslaved by the Turks or other nations, because their church has limned its character in their soul and ramified its dogmas in every nook and corner of their spiritual being. At heart the Syrian is a pietst, and this inborn quality keeps his convictions together and deepens them.
Syrians are intelligent and hospitable, possessing notable ability and sagacity for business, and make good peaceful, law-abiding citizens. Most of the Syrians of Williamson hail, from the old historic town of Kfeir, between Damascus and Lebanon mountains, and are distinguished for the high order of their intelligence, industry, and family devotion. Two of their living pioneer fathers are Mr. Joe Cantees and Mr. Mike Abraham, each, like Father Abraham of the Bible, is the head of a large family and like him a God-fearing man.
Syrian pioneering in this country commenced by selling merchandise and novelties in country places and among farming people. It started under the same auspices also in this section of West Virginia. Owing to that they had much better opportunity than the railroad-laboring Greeks to choose their new homes and settle permanently. They traveled around small towns where competition was not as keen as in larger sections. The naïve population was not as fastidious as the dweller of a more populous poorly equipped foreigners, in settling among rural communities, knew they would get along with them without creating aspersions.
Sometimes the peddling Syrians would settle in a certain community in groups, consisting pretty nearly of close relatives and often would venture alone, like, for instance, the larva of a sponge which, equipped with cilia (minute back-and-forth swinging, hair-like process of protoplasm) swims on the bottom of the sea and finally settles upon a suitable surface to develop. When these swinging, collared whippers chanced to settle together in colonies, they united themselves in a compact manner at the base by secreting a kind of jelly-like, sticky substance. So, when the Syrians or Greeks chanced to settle together in colonies, they united and held themselves by virtue of their common language, blood, traits, customs and traditions, into a compact colony.
Indeed, this great country appeared to them at first a veritable sea of confusion. They had immigrated, as you know, without the slightest knowledge of the English language – and without much capital. Only by sheer instinct, grit, tenacity and hard work these sturdy people had finally come into their own.
At the very beginning of the 20th century, therefore, when Williamson was still in its infancy, there appeared in town several olive-complexioned ‘foreigners’ and said they were looking for suitable locations to start in business and cast their lot in the community. Two or three of them at first – Joe Simon, for one, Mike Abraham and Joe Cantees. At any rate, one followed the other. Then, shortly after Joe Cantees’ brothers, Abraham and George, arrived, forthwith launching out in business. And really, they proved themselves very desirable members.
Mr. Wallace J. Williamson, the revered founder, with his imposing goatee, was busy directing the buildup of the town, and our Syrian pioneer fathers came in contact with him. They received numerous favors from his hands. His financial institution accorded them many facilities. They grew with the town and prospered. Both Mr. Joe Cantees and Mike Abraham, together with their kin, opened restaurants, confectioneries, and dry goods stores. They wrote home and to their friends nearabout, and they came and increased the colony, adding all the time to Williamson’s numerical growth.
Then in 1908 Mr. Joe Cantees set forth to visit the old folks at home. He met his wife there, married and brought her over to his second home, and eventually nine children were born to them. When we were going over his early experiences together, he said: “How many houses did you say there were in Williamson then? Oh, about 15 or 20, I should say. There were plenty muddy streets, but the mines were going on full swing.”
“I came to the United States in 1885. Very few people from Syria were here then, almost a dozen or two in the whole country. Yes sir: I am a contended and happy, surrounded as I am, by my children, who comfort my old age,” he concluded.
Nine children were also born to our congenial patriarch, Mr. Mike Abraham, five grown daughters and four sons, all dutiful and good. “I landed in this country in 1900,” he said, “and I arrived at Williamson almost the same year. Joe Simon came here after me, but afterwards he moved to Bluefield. His two children were born in this city.”
So, we have now living with us these two parent Syrian fathers, who have been instrumental in bringing to Williamson many of the present worthy members of the colony.
Mr. Abe Cantees, brother to Joe and father of our most progressive young merchants: William, Frank, Tom, (and their sisters, Ida, Katy, Annie, and Mary) also made good here, adding to the city’s numerical as well as business growth. He will be long remembered and revered through his splendid descendants.
Mr. Abe Cantees, the third brother and one of the earliest arrivals, is also a landmark in the Syrian colonization of Williamson. He, too, is prolific. His confectionery on the corner of Third Avenue and Pike Street is as old as its location. His children are managing it now, for George is getting old and needing more rest and relaxation. All of these pioneers have come from ancient town of Kfeir, Syria.
Then there are the great Ammar Brothers. They hail from another historic town, Majdal Shams. Their name and business genius are known far, with many branch department stores dotting the Billion Dollar Coal Fields. Large property owners, excellent citizens. They came to this city from Birmingham, Ala., in 1920; and from their parent store they branched out to Beckley, Logan, Iaeger, War, Welch and Pikeville. They built large stores, stocking them with high grade merchandise complete for the needs of any size family. They are K. A., S. A. and N. A. Ammar – everyone a progressive merchant prince, dividend-bearing assets for any community.
Another valuable asset is Mr. Abe Kawaja of the National Department Store, who started his dry goods business in 1921 on East Third Avenue and in 1930, moved to its present location and building. He also is from Kfeir, a worthy Mason, a public-spirited merchant, loving the city of his adoption and the home of his children.
If you go into Bassett’s confectionery on East Fourth Street, you’ll meet its genial proprietor, Mr. A. J. Bassett. He’s a man of few words, but very progressive in his ideas and views. He, too, is among the first comers, having come here in 1904 for the first time, and in 1918, when he pitched his tent permanently. He has six children, all highly capable. But Mr. Bassett is modest. He says “let your works speak for you, not your lips.”
“Birds of a feather flock together.” Paraphrasing that old proverb, we say that Syrians of a kind flock together in peace and harmony. What a pleasing sight to the eye and inspiring object to the heart to see in dear old Abe Mickel’s Sweet Shop such friendly members as Sol Stefan, old father, Mike Abraham, Abe Kawaja, N. R., Abe’s younger brother, and their wives and children! Abe, although in his skull cap, looks like a Jewish rabbi, is a study son of the historic Kfeir. In 1906, striking the sign of the cross across his breast, he embarked bound for the land of the free. When in about 1913 he secured his citizenship papers, he made a bee line for Kfeir in 1921, and married his accomplished wife whom he knew and secretly cherished from his boyhood days, as she was his next door neighbor. Four children have crowned this marriage to Nahia Fachoury Mickel: Mitchell 14, Gloria 9, Alexander 12, and Fred 6 years old. Abe made good; his place is as busy as the bees in a beehive. He owns his own home where he entertains visiting bishops and dignitaries of his Eastern Orthodox Church. He is a Mason – Chapter and Commandery – and an excellent citizen. Afferim Ibrahim Eifendi.
Mr. N. R. Mickel, his brother, owns the Sugar Bowl, corner of Pike Street and Third Avenue. He was born at Kfeir June 2, 1900, immigrating to the United States September 23, 1921, direct to his brother here. He is single, a charter Mason, highly industrious and well liked. An exemplary young man.
Mr. Sol Stefan’s excellent character leaves nothing to be desired. He is proprietor of a nifty shoe shop in which he reigns like a king upon his throne. Kfeir-born, American-educated. One of the most industrious business men and home-loving citizens. He has deep understanding and a keen eye for everything that is good and noble. This year he was elected Worshipful Master of the O’Brien Masonic lodge, and all the Syrians are proud of the fact. He is happily married and very sensible for the honor conferred upon him. Well done, Sol!
The City Restaurant is owned by our popular young Syrian, Jimmie Madlom. Mike, his older brother, is assisting him in running the business, and a better Syrian Effendi than Mike you’ll seldom meet. He is good and congenial, possessing understanding of a high degree. Mr. Mike Madlom formerly was one of the prominent dry good merchants of Williamson. His total valuation was more than forty thousand dollars. It went with the wind because Depression. Like the floods we had a few ago, swept everything we had. It was a minor failure, for Mike’s reputation is just as good as it was during those prosperous years. Jimmie and Mike’s reputation is just as good as it was during those prosperous days. Jimmie and Mike hail from Quyara, Syria. They are here from 1914. Mike has three angelic children. Jimmie is single. They are the most devoted brothers every phase of family life. Mashallah!
Sam Madlom owns the Playhouse Billiard Parlor and is closely related to them. Sam also has five children, born here. He is a very industrious Arab gentleman.
Somewhere hidden as a hermit happy in his isolation, we found Mr. N. Joseph, running a sort of grocery and soft-drink-candy-store on Fourth Avenue, across from the depot. He is an honest man and his purse well lined. He is single, and extremely quiet, law-abiding citizen.
Note: The author of the “Historical Sketch of Williamson Syrian Colony” is a Greek, Dio Adallis. He produced at least ten of these sketches of Syrian and Greek communities in WV and Tennessee. There is only one in a library—the New York Public Library—that has a copy of the Williamson version and they will not allow it be distributed by interlibrary loan. Someday when you visit New York City you’ll have to examine the booklet at the NYPL.
The Williamson version has besides the Syrian section, a Greek section, an Armenian section, a small section of the Orthodox Eastern Church, a paragraph about Jewish citizens, and about 30 short paragraphs about the leading businessmen of the city.
I have not been able to find the original booklet, and the copy I have is of inferior quality.
I remember Williamson: as a cosmopolitan place, though it would be years before I knew the word “cosmopolitan." Pikeville, a mere 30 miles away in Eastern Kentucky was the opposite—a town with virtually no immigrants. Two of my uncles had a grocery store and learned that they should not speak Arabic in the store, only English.
Williamson, with its large immigrant population was at the same time Southern in attitude: we were a segregated town. Blacks had their own schools, and district. It was years before I learned the word “segregation” and I was a college freshmen before I became aware that for the first time in my life, there were black students at my school, though not very many.
This article, one of several articles in a booklet published in 1937, offers a rare insight into the early years of Kfeirian immigrants and how they managed to become successful citizens. Williamson, WV was a vibrant city of 9,410 in 1930, having been established in 1892. The trading had a population of nearly 100,000 which accounted for the success of local businesses, many Kfeirian owned. In 1930, Kfeirians referred to themselves as Syrians. - Abe J. Bassett
The Historical Sketch of Williamson, WV - A Syrian Colony
There is no Syrian race, in the same sense as there is no American race, outside, of course, the Autochthonous Indians. A race is composed of homogenous people, not necessarily speaking the same language or having the same faith. We can say, for instance, Semitic race or Jewish race. The Arab race, and in no lesser degree, Greek race, Armenian race, Latin race, but not very well English race, French race. We can say though of English as English people of Anglo-Saxon, Celtic or Cumbraic race; French people of Latin race.
Syrian people are of a highly mixed origin: Hittites, Egyptians, Armenoids, Greeks, Romans, Assyrians, Turks, Kurds and Arabs. Well, America is no better in that respect, peopled as she is from all races and nationalities, including Negroes and Chinese.
So, a Syrian is a person born in Syria and identified mostly by his religion: Christian, Mohammendan, Yezidi, Druse. The Christians are mostly descendants of Greek, Latin and the minor branches of Aryan races: the Mohammedans chiefly of the Arabs. Practically, there is no social and family ties between them, although they speak the same common Arabic language.
The area of Lebanon, in proportion to its size, is a densely populated country – a coastal strip along the Mediterranean Sea about fifty miles wide and three hundred miles long, with more than three million population of whom two-thirds are Mohammedans, half a million Christians and 125,000 Druses. The Druses, warlike Arabic tribes, live in the mountain valleys of the Lebanon itself and in central Syria – having three strongholds in the district of Shuf and Metu (where they live with the agricultural Maronites whom they raid frequently), the western slopes of Mt. Hermon, and the mountains of El Hauran.
In religion they call themselves Muwahhidin or Unitarians and believe only in one (Wahdu) God, who is indefinable, incomprehensible, ineffable, and passionless. They do not proselyte but keep their religious tenets rigidly secret (and hate the French!) They believe that the souls of the virtuous pass after death into ever new incarnations of greater perfection, until at last they are absorbed into its Deity itself. The wicked are degraded to the level of dogs and camels. Of these tribes, quite a few are found in Mercer and McDowell counties of West Virginia.
The Maronites are Catholics, and on the grassy seaward slopes of the mountains bordering the Gulf of Alexandretta are the settlements of Ansarirebs. From the North the Taurus mountains shut Syria off from the Anatolian plains, the mountains of Lebanon terminate on the east, and the desert separates it from Mesopotamia on the east. On the eastern border of the better-watered coastal strip are the sown lands, the grain growing regions. Damascus is the metropolis there – the most ancient city of Syria and the richest, with a population exceeding 250,000; and Beirut, Syria’s chief seaport.
Over this ancient land French people rule under mandate. From the days of the early Phoenician traders, long before the Christian era, France had maintained commercial intercourse with Syria, through her ancient Greek colony of Marseilles. During the Crusades France took the lead in the effort to redeem the Holy Land from the Saracens. In Tripoli, the Antioch, and Jerusalem, French princes reigned, and played a noble part in the redemption of the lands sacred to Christians. Pope conferred on French kings the title of “Protector of Oriental Christians” Interested thus from earliest times, France invested huge capital in Syria, in commerce, industry, and in her railroads – adding also the influence of French thought and life over the people. French school are more numerous there than in any other foreign nation, and America maintains in Beirut, one of the best colleges or universities ever founded by American missionaries anywhere. Therefore, France considers herself very needful in Syria in safeguarding her interest, as well as her integrity, of western civilization against the anarchy of Mohammedanism.
Rabid Syrians of the Moslem cult want to see Syria extend her boundaries to include Palestine southward as in the days of the Crusades. They say Palestine is Arab land, since the Jew constitute only a little more than one-tenth of the total population. They believe that in a Zionist state of Jews will secure political control and would not respect the “holy places” as impartially as would an outside, established power – for, as you see, these “holy places” include places sacred to the Christian and to the Moslem, as well as the Jew.
The Catholics and the Maronites, of course, prefer French protection, the Greek Orthodox would like to see Syria an independent nation. Seeing that this booklet is not intended for a political treatise, we beg to refer out readers to other works of history.
Most of Williamson high type Syrians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Greek Church and descend on the whole from Macedonians, Greek, and Byzantines. They are almost discernible from their ethnic cranial and facial features. The orthodox Syrians love their church next to their home. In fact, their home and church are one and inalienable in their thoughts and daily life. They adhere loyalty to their religion because they are born to it, like most of the people who have been enslaved by the Turks or other nations, because their church has limned its character in their soul and ramified its dogmas in every nook and corner of their spiritual being. At heart the Syrian is a pietst, and this inborn quality keeps his convictions together and deepens them.
Syrians are intelligent and hospitable, possessing notable ability and sagacity for business, and make good peaceful, law-abiding citizens. Most of the Syrians of Williamson hail, from the old historic town of Kfeir, between Damascus and Lebanon mountains, and are distinguished for the high order of their intelligence, industry, and family devotion. Two of their living pioneer fathers are Mr. Joe Cantees and Mr. Mike Abraham, each, like Father Abraham of the Bible, is the head of a large family and like him a God-fearing man.
Syrian pioneering in this country commenced by selling merchandise and novelties in country places and among farming people. It started under the same auspices also in this section of West Virginia. Owing to that they had much better opportunity than the railroad-laboring Greeks to choose their new homes and settle permanently. They traveled around small towns where competition was not as keen as in larger sections. The naïve population was not as fastidious as the dweller of a more populous poorly equipped foreigners, in settling among rural communities, knew they would get along with them without creating aspersions.
Sometimes the peddling Syrians would settle in a certain community in groups, consisting pretty nearly of close relatives and often would venture alone, like, for instance, the larva of a sponge which, equipped with cilia (minute back-and-forth swinging, hair-like process of protoplasm) swims on the bottom of the sea and finally settles upon a suitable surface to develop. When these swinging, collared whippers chanced to settle together in colonies, they united themselves in a compact manner at the base by secreting a kind of jelly-like, sticky substance. So, when the Syrians or Greeks chanced to settle together in colonies, they united and held themselves by virtue of their common language, blood, traits, customs and traditions, into a compact colony.
Indeed, this great country appeared to them at first a veritable sea of confusion. They had immigrated, as you know, without the slightest knowledge of the English language – and without much capital. Only by sheer instinct, grit, tenacity and hard work these sturdy people had finally come into their own.
At the very beginning of the 20th century, therefore, when Williamson was still in its infancy, there appeared in town several olive-complexioned ‘foreigners’ and said they were looking for suitable locations to start in business and cast their lot in the community. Two or three of them at first – Joe Simon, for one, Mike Abraham and Joe Cantees. At any rate, one followed the other. Then, shortly after Joe Cantees’ brothers, Abraham and George, arrived, forthwith launching out in business. And really, they proved themselves very desirable members.
Mr. Wallace J. Williamson, the revered founder, with his imposing goatee, was busy directing the buildup of the town, and our Syrian pioneer fathers came in contact with him. They received numerous favors from his hands. His financial institution accorded them many facilities. They grew with the town and prospered. Both Mr. Joe Cantees and Mike Abraham, together with their kin, opened restaurants, confectioneries, and dry goods stores. They wrote home and to their friends nearabout, and they came and increased the colony, adding all the time to Williamson’s numerical growth.
Then in 1908 Mr. Joe Cantees set forth to visit the old folks at home. He met his wife there, married and brought her over to his second home, and eventually nine children were born to them. When we were going over his early experiences together, he said: “How many houses did you say there were in Williamson then? Oh, about 15 or 20, I should say. There were plenty muddy streets, but the mines were going on full swing.”
“I came to the United States in 1885. Very few people from Syria were here then, almost a dozen or two in the whole country. Yes sir: I am a contended and happy, surrounded as I am, by my children, who comfort my old age,” he concluded.
Nine children were also born to our congenial patriarch, Mr. Mike Abraham, five grown daughters and four sons, all dutiful and good. “I landed in this country in 1900,” he said, “and I arrived at Williamson almost the same year. Joe Simon came here after me, but afterwards he moved to Bluefield. His two children were born in this city.”
So, we have now living with us these two parent Syrian fathers, who have been instrumental in bringing to Williamson many of the present worthy members of the colony.
Mr. Abe Cantees, brother to Joe and father of our most progressive young merchants: William, Frank, Tom, (and their sisters, Ida, Katy, Annie, and Mary) also made good here, adding to the city’s numerical as well as business growth. He will be long remembered and revered through his splendid descendants.
Mr. Abe Cantees, the third brother and one of the earliest arrivals, is also a landmark in the Syrian colonization of Williamson. He, too, is prolific. His confectionery on the corner of Third Avenue and Pike Street is as old as its location. His children are managing it now, for George is getting old and needing more rest and relaxation. All of these pioneers have come from ancient town of Kfeir, Syria.
Then there are the great Ammar Brothers. They hail from another historic town, Majdal Shams. Their name and business genius are known far, with many branch department stores dotting the Billion Dollar Coal Fields. Large property owners, excellent citizens. They came to this city from Birmingham, Ala., in 1920; and from their parent store they branched out to Beckley, Logan, Iaeger, War, Welch and Pikeville. They built large stores, stocking them with high grade merchandise complete for the needs of any size family. They are K. A., S. A. and N. A. Ammar – everyone a progressive merchant prince, dividend-bearing assets for any community.
Another valuable asset is Mr. Abe Kawaja of the National Department Store, who started his dry goods business in 1921 on East Third Avenue and in 1930, moved to its present location and building. He also is from Kfeir, a worthy Mason, a public-spirited merchant, loving the city of his adoption and the home of his children.
If you go into Bassett’s confectionery on East Fourth Street, you’ll meet its genial proprietor, Mr. A. J. Bassett. He’s a man of few words, but very progressive in his ideas and views. He, too, is among the first comers, having come here in 1904 for the first time, and in 1918, when he pitched his tent permanently. He has six children, all highly capable. But Mr. Bassett is modest. He says “let your works speak for you, not your lips.”
“Birds of a feather flock together.” Paraphrasing that old proverb, we say that Syrians of a kind flock together in peace and harmony. What a pleasing sight to the eye and inspiring object to the heart to see in dear old Abe Mickel’s Sweet Shop such friendly members as Sol Stefan, old father, Mike Abraham, Abe Kawaja, N. R., Abe’s younger brother, and their wives and children! Abe, although in his skull cap, looks like a Jewish rabbi, is a study son of the historic Kfeir. In 1906, striking the sign of the cross across his breast, he embarked bound for the land of the free. When in about 1913 he secured his citizenship papers, he made a bee line for Kfeir in 1921, and married his accomplished wife whom he knew and secretly cherished from his boyhood days, as she was his next door neighbor. Four children have crowned this marriage to Nahia Fachoury Mickel: Mitchell 14, Gloria 9, Alexander 12, and Fred 6 years old. Abe made good; his place is as busy as the bees in a beehive. He owns his own home where he entertains visiting bishops and dignitaries of his Eastern Orthodox Church. He is a Mason – Chapter and Commandery – and an excellent citizen. Afferim Ibrahim Eifendi.
Mr. N. R. Mickel, his brother, owns the Sugar Bowl, corner of Pike Street and Third Avenue. He was born at Kfeir June 2, 1900, immigrating to the United States September 23, 1921, direct to his brother here. He is single, a charter Mason, highly industrious and well liked. An exemplary young man.
Mr. Sol Stefan’s excellent character leaves nothing to be desired. He is proprietor of a nifty shoe shop in which he reigns like a king upon his throne. Kfeir-born, American-educated. One of the most industrious business men and home-loving citizens. He has deep understanding and a keen eye for everything that is good and noble. This year he was elected Worshipful Master of the O’Brien Masonic lodge, and all the Syrians are proud of the fact. He is happily married and very sensible for the honor conferred upon him. Well done, Sol!
The City Restaurant is owned by our popular young Syrian, Jimmie Madlom. Mike, his older brother, is assisting him in running the business, and a better Syrian Effendi than Mike you’ll seldom meet. He is good and congenial, possessing understanding of a high degree. Mr. Mike Madlom formerly was one of the prominent dry good merchants of Williamson. His total valuation was more than forty thousand dollars. It went with the wind because Depression. Like the floods we had a few ago, swept everything we had. It was a minor failure, for Mike’s reputation is just as good as it was during those prosperous years. Jimmie and Mike’s reputation is just as good as it was during those prosperous days. Jimmie and Mike hail from Quyara, Syria. They are here from 1914. Mike has three angelic children. Jimmie is single. They are the most devoted brothers every phase of family life. Mashallah!
Sam Madlom owns the Playhouse Billiard Parlor and is closely related to them. Sam also has five children, born here. He is a very industrious Arab gentleman.
Somewhere hidden as a hermit happy in his isolation, we found Mr. N. Joseph, running a sort of grocery and soft-drink-candy-store on Fourth Avenue, across from the depot. He is an honest man and his purse well lined. He is single, and extremely quiet, law-abiding citizen.