Kevorkian, Albert

Born in Erzroom, Asia Minor, in 1885, Albert Kevorkian emigrated to Fresno, California, in 1901 following the death of his father. As the eldest son, he immediately entered the agricultural workforce to support his family, learning English through self-study while working in local orchards and vineyards, including assisting with the planting of the Markarian fig orchard on Blackstone Avenue. In 1907, Kevorkian partnered to acquire sixty acres west of Fresno, later operating the alfalfa and raisin property with his brother, Haig Kevorkian, until selling the improved ranch in 1917.

In July 1917, Kevorkian purchased a joint interest in the 380-acre Sunnyside Vineyards five miles east of Fresno, serving as general manager of the extensive enterprise. Under his direction, the property produced Navel oranges alongside major table and raisin grape varieties, including Tokay, Emperor, Malaga, Thompson Seedless, and Muscat. Married in Fresno in 1912 to Rose Ajemian, with whom he had two children, Edward and Florence, Kevorkian was a member of the California Associated Raisin Company and became recognized as one of Fresno County’s leading individual viticulturists.