4.ETTUPARAYIL

EIGHTH GENERATION

ETTUPARAYIL THOMMACHAN

Thommachan, the fourth son of Neduvely Cheriachan married PATTAARA BRIJEETHA-AMMA of Muhamma. He settled down permanently in the NEDUVELY PUTHENPURAYIL property, which is also called ETTU-PARAYIL. He had five children, three of them girls. Their order in terms of age are - CHAACHI, MARIYAM, OUSEPH and XAVIER (SHOUVRIYAR) and CLARA.

Kerala was ruled by various petty kings and regents from the time Thommi Panickar settled in Kuttanadu. Some time afterwards most of South and Central Kerala came under the rule of Travancore State. Thommachan and Shouvriyar Ettupara created strong alliances through marriages with aristocratic Christian families in the Travancore State. Neduvely was already a prominent aritocratic family in the land. Thommachan and Shouvriyar through their efforts and through marriage alliances made Ettupara even more well known.

An interesting snippet I heard from Mariamma Cherian Maleampurackal (nee Elambrakkottu) is that KAVALAM CHURCH was built by Thommachan Ettupara (Neduvely) and his brother Mathula Naduvileikalam (Neduvely). The story goes that Neduvely Cherian and Chachiamma's fifth son Varkey who was a priest in the Ernakulam diocese, when he become old desired to spend his retired life in Pulincunnu. The parishioners were against it, so his elder brothers Thommachan Ettupara and Mathula Naduvileikulam decided to build a priest home for their brother. Neduvelil Ittoop, their grand father had a share in building of the Pulincunnu Forane Church. Therefore they decided to ask the Pulincunnu Church for their rights (avakasham) to build a new church. One evening they went to Pulincunnu Church to talk about it. During the heated discussion some idiot rang the church bell. The parishioners heard the bell and thought that the church was in danger and gathered before the church. In the ensuing melee people were hurt. Kochupalathinkal Outhachan (the uncle of Thommachan and Mathula) who was the parish council member (kaikkaaran) locked up Thommachan, Mathula and those who came with them in the church cellar (ara) and thus saved them from further attack.

Fr. Varkey passed away while serving as the parish priest of Chaakiyathu and was buried there. A priest home for him was never built, but the Kavalam Church was built instead. It was built on land donated by Ettupara Thommachan. The church was built on reclaimed paddy fields. The first festival of Kavalam Church was conducted by Ettuparayil Shouvriyar. The food and lodging facilities for all the priests and church functionaries who came from outside were arranged at Ettupara.

Fr. Zacherias Kaithara rebuilt the Kavalam Church. Then in 2017 the church was again rebuild by Fr. Thayil at a cost of one and a half crores of rupees.

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The details of the THOPPIL family were given by Mariamma Cherian Maleampurackal (Elambrakottu/ Ettuparayil) in 2020

The eldest daughter of Brijeetha and Thommachan Ettuparayil, CHAACHIAMMA was married off to KURIACHEN of the old and noble family of THOPPIL of VELIYANAADU. Elambrakottu Ousepachan, the elder brother of Shouvriar (and incidentally the younger brother of Chaachiamma) married Kurachen's younger brother's daughter. The relationship between the THOPPIL and NEDUVELIL families were very strong and special. They were most dear. CHERIAN the youngest son of Neduvelil Cherian (and incidentally the younger brother of Ettuparayil Thommachan), who inherited the Neduvely homestead married the heiress CHERICHIMMA of the THOPPIL family. Thus there were some inter relationship between the two families.

Thoppil Kuriachan had two younger brothers. One of them THOPPIL KUNCHERICHAN married Maleampurackal Kunjumariyaamma. They had three children, one son who died at an early age. The elder daughter ACCHAAMMA was married to ELAMBRAKOTTU (ETTUPARAYIL) OUSEPACHAN and the younger daughter CHACHIKUNJU was married to KAKKICHAN of AALINKARA KONDIYOOR family from VAIKOM.

The other brother became a priest and was known as PUNNYAVAAN ACHAN (Holy Priest). He was buried in St. Martin Church in Pulincunnu. After his death, in 1945 proceedings were begun to anoint him as a saint. As time passed people began to forget this holy priest and the proceedings have stagnated.

CHACHIAMMA and KURIACHAN of the THOPPIL family had ten children, seven daughters and three sons.

1. The eldest daughter MARIAKUNJU was married to the THUNDATHIL family from ALAPPUZHA. Their only daughter PENNAMMA married CHAMBACHAN of ARAYANPARAMBU (KAANJICKAL) family from Pulincunnu. They settled in the Thundathil Homestead.

2. THRESIAKUNJU the second daughter was married to the KATTIKKARAN family. One of their daughters' CHACHIMMA was married to Dr. NINAN of the PUTHENPURACKAL VAADACKAL family from Pulincunnu.

3. CLAARAMMA the third daughter was also married to the KATTIKKARAN family. One of their daughters' was married to the PATTAARAYIL MAALIKAYIL family from MUHAMMA. One of the sons' is a Capuchin priest.

4. OROMA the fourth daughter was married to EAPPACHAN of KOITHARA family from KAINAKARY. They had seven daughters, MARIAKUTTY, ACCHAAMMA, SHOSHIMMA, KUNJAMMA, Sr. BRIJEETHA, Sr. CICILY and one other. And they had three sons, CHACKOCHAN, KURIACHAN and THOMMICHAN.

I. MARIAKUTTY married to the KADAVIL family from PALLIPURAM.

II. ACCHAAMMA married to CHACKOCHAN of PARACHERRY (VACHAPARAMBIL) family from PULINCUNNU. Chackochan is the elder brother of Paracherry Appachan who married the daughter of Thoppil Ousepachan. Paracherry Chackochan and Acchaamma had seven children, two sons and five daughters. They are KANNAMMA, APPACHI (JOSEPH), OMANA, KURIACHAN, KUNJUNJAMMA, KUTTAMMA and ALICE.

(i) Kannamma married

(ii) Appachi married Annakutty

(iii) Omana was married to the Kurishimmoodu family from Kanjirapally.

(iv) Kuriachan married from Changanacherry

(v) Kunjunjamma (Mariamma) was married to Philip of Puthumana family from Pala.

(vi)Kuttamma was married to Fatimapuram, Changanacherry

(vii) Alice was married to the Karippaparambil family from Kanjirapally.

III. SHOSHIMMA married to the MATHAICHAN of KARINGADA family from CHANGANACHERRY.

IV. KUNJAMMA married to someone in Trichur. She is living with a son in Palarivattom, Ernakulam. She is ninety years old now (2020).

V. CHACKOCHAN married THARAMMA the only daughter of a THUNDIYIL family in KANNADY.

VI. KURIACHAN married the only daughter of Eappachan of KALATHOOR family from MANIMALA and settled in the Kalathoor homestead.

VII. THOMMICHAN settled in SRILANKA.

5. Sr. BRIJEETHA became a nun in the CMC Convent in Changanacherry.

6. Sr. CICILY also became a nun in the CMC Convent in Changanacherry.

7. The youngest daughter also became nun in the CMC Convent in Kollam.

8. The eldest son of Chachimma and Kuriachan, THOPPIL OUSEPACHAN married KUNJANNAAMMA of PERIYAPURAM family from PIRAVOM. Kunjannaamma was the sister of the father of Rev. Fr. AABAEL CMI. Ousepachan and Kunjannaamma had eight children, four sons, KURIAN, THOMMACHAN, KUNCHERICHAN and CHACKOCHAN, and four daughters, MARIAKUTTY, ACCHAAMMA, EETHAMMA and CHACHIKUTTY.

I. Adv. KURIAN B.A, B.Ed, LLB. He married KUNJANNA of MUTTINAKATHU THALIATH family from VARAPUZHA. They had five children, three sons and two daughters, namely BABU, KOCHUVARKEY, CIRLAI, KOCHUVAVA and GRACYKUTTY.

(i) BABU became a teacher and married the only daughter of MUTTATHU PAADATHU family and settled in the Muttathpaadathu homestead.

(ii) KOCHUVARKEY was a bright and able man. He married CLARAMMA of KURIYALASSERRY family from CHAMPAKULAM. He died young and had no children. He died tragically in a boat accident one night at ONNAMKARA. It is believed that he was killed.

(iii) CIRLAI became an Engineer and lives in Ernakulam now (2020). He is seventy five years old. We don't have any information about his family.

(iv) KOCHUVAVA the eldest of the daughters' was married to the VADAYAAR family from KOLLENCHERRY.

(v) GRACYKUTTY was married to the NEDUMKUNNAM family and is now (2020) settled in Bangalore.

II. THOMMACHAN the second son of Thoppil Ousepachan, married MARIAMMA of PALLIPARAMBIL family from ALAPPUZHA.They have six children, OUSEPACHAN, KUNJUKUNJACHAN, THANKAMMA, PENNAMMA, THARAMMA and EALAMMA.

(i) OUSEPACHAN is married and he settled in the USA.

(ii) KUNJUKUNJACHAN married MARIAMMA.

(iii) THANKAMMA was married to the ANTHRAPER family from THANKI.

(iv) PENNAMMA was married to the KALLARACKAL family from CHANGANACHERRY.

(v) THARAMMA was married to THOTTAKAM.

(vi) EALAMMA married a hindu (menon) who was an officer in the Air Force.

III. CHACKOCHAN the third son of Thoppil Ousepachan after completing his B.A, he married ACCHAAMMA of CHIRAYIL family from KAVALAM. Acchaamma was the daughter of Chirayil Thommachan. They had three sons and one daughter, BOBBY, THOMMACHAN, THAMPI and BEENAMOL.

(i) BOBBY became and IAS officer. He married VIJAYAMMA the daughter of KULATHUMGAL POTHAN from TRIVANDRUM.

(ii) THOMMACHAN married KUMARI of MAATTEL family from PALA.

(iii) THAMPI is also married. He was aive in (2020)

(iv) BEENAMOL was married to the CHIRAYI family from ETTUMANOOR.

All three sons, BOBBY, THOMMACHAN and THAMPI are settled in Bangalore.

IV. KUNCHERICHAN the fourth son of Thoppil Ousepachan remained unmarried. He worked in SINGAPORE. After coming back he settled in Ernakulam. In his old age he lived with RAYMOL the grand daughter of MARIAKUTTY (sister of Kuncherichan).

V. CHACHIKUTTY the eldest of the daughters' of Thoppil Ousepachan was a teacher. She married BABYCHAN of KOVOOR family from PIRAVOM. He was a Reeth Jacobite. Babychan was also a teacher. He was known as Baby Sir. They had their own school. Chachikutty was the headmistress of the school. They had no children. After the death of her husband she entrusted the school to the public in Piravom and returned to Ernakulam.

There are two factions of Jacobites. Those who accepted the Pope as their head were called Reeth Jacobites. The Reeth faction is allowed to marry Catholics. The other section continued with the Patriarchate of Antioch remained Jacobites.

VI. MARIAKUTTY the second daughter of Thoppil Ousepachan was married to KOSHY of KANJOOPARAMBIL family from CHAMPAKULAM. One of their sons' is KUNJAPPAN KOSHY. He was the Champakulam Panchayat President. RAYMOL is his daughter.

(i) Chacko Koshy

(ii) Joyachan

(iii) Kunjappan Koshy - He was a very active socialist during his younger days. While studying in Punnappara Polytech he was a headache to the teachers and management. Later on he became the Champakulam Panchayat President. He was infamous for the shooting incident in Kuttanadu. He had a toddy shop in Nedumudi, During the workers agitation in the seventies he had to face a large gathering of violent protesting farm workers. One of them lifted his dothi and used foul words. The crowd was unruly and violent. Kunjappan Koshy fired his shot gun and the worker who lifted his dothi died. He couldn't stay on in Kuttanadu after this incident. He settled in Ernakulam. Raymol is his daughter.

(iv) George Koshy

VII. EETHAMMA the third of Thoppil Ousepachan's daughter became a Doctor. She remained unmarried. She was ninety seven years old when she died in 2020. She was living in Edapally, Ernakulam.

VIII. ACCHAAMMA the second of Thoppil Ousepachan's daughters' was married to APPACHAN of PARACHERRY (VACHAPARAMBIL) family from Pulincunnu. They have eleven children.

(i) P.J.Joseph (Jose) settled in Trichur

(ii) P. J.Mathew (Mathappan) is an Engineer. He settled in Madras.

(iii) P.J.Kurian (Kuriachan) settled in Pulincunnu.

(iv) P.J.Scria (Robin) settled in Madras

(v) The fifth son drowned when young

(vi) Chackochan (Milk Chackochan) settled in Pulincunnu.

(vii) Babychan

(viii) Soy (daughter) married to Trichur. She was alive in 2020.

(ix) Alphonsa married to Chakkarapurackal family from Changanacherry.

(x) Usha married to a Doctor of Chempakasserry family from Pala.

(xi) Eethamma married to Tharappel family from Pala. She is now (2020) in USA.

9. THOPPIL KARUKAMPALLY KURIACHAN, the second son of Thoppil Kuriachan was also married. He had six daughters. Their details are unknown.

10. The third son of Thoppil Kuriachan became a parish priest. He was known as CHANDAPILLA ACHAN. He established the THOPPIL ST. XAVIOUR'S CHURCH.

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The fourth son of Thoppil Ousepachan, namely KUNCHERICHAN, who was unmarried, along with his unmarried sister, Dr. EETHAMMA and MARIAKUTTY (their elder sister) in their old age were looked after by RAYMOL. Raymol is the daughter of Kunjappan Koshy (and the grand daughter of Mariakutty).

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The second daughter MARIYAAMMA was married off to THERU-VIL DEVASIACHAN of Pala. Mariyaamma also came to be known by the alias PAALA-AMMA later in her life. She was an intrinsic part of the ETTUPARAYIL family.

In those times there was scarcity of food, and the servants and the poor locals were given low quality food. But the old folks tell; Paalaamma never differentiated the high born and the low born. She gave good quality food and in abundant quantities to the servants and poor locals - like she did for the guests and relatives. Whoever came to the Ettupara homestead never left sad and empty handed. She gave them food lovingly and without reservation. She also helped the needy with money. The people of the land loved and respected her.

Paalaamma's daughter MARIAM was married off to OUSEPH of the Menamparambil family of Pala. After giving birth to a baby girl, the mother suddenly fell ill and died. Her husband Ouseph remained unmarried and so Paalaamma brought the baby girl, back to Kannady. This granddaughter ELEYAMMA, grew up with her in Kannady. After the death of Shouvriyarachan, Paalaamma and her granddaughter Eleyamma came to MAVELY, and lived with Shouvriyarachan's son APPACHAN (N.X.Joseph). Paalaamma's grand daughter ELEYAMMA was married off from here to PULIKKI (VELLOOKUNNEL) MATHU-CHAN of PINNAKKANADU. An interesting story I heard from her granddaughter Leelaama of Valiyaparakattu is that the marriage of her grandmother was arranged with Mathuchan, without the knowledge of the bride’s father by the Ettuparayils and Paalamma, fearing if they consulted her father at Menamparambil, he might not consent to the marriage because Mathuchan had the reputation of a very rough and tough man. Paalaamma was given thirty acres of paddy fields for her expenses. According to Mariamma Cherian Maleackal (Elambrakottu) this land was to be shared equally between the two brother's Ousepachan and Shouvriyarachan. Shouvriyarachan died early and after Paalaamma's death the thirty acres were appropriated by the Ettuparayil brothers. It seems that N.X Thomas with the support of Kokkatt Ittoop got the property deeded to the Ettuparayil brothers. The Ettuparayil version is that ther was no such understanding and that Paalaamma could give the property to whomever she pleased and that since that it was the Ettuparayil brothers that took care of her every need she gave the thirty acres to the Ettuparayil brothers. Nothing happened in Ettupara and Mavely without the knowledge of Paalaamma. She ruled with an iron fist. Paalaamma lived in Mavely for many years and died peacefully in her old age in 1935. She was buried in the Kavalam church cemetery.

(Details taken from the Vellookunnel Family History published in 2020)

ELEYAAMMA was married to VARKEY MATHEW (MATHOOCHAN) of OORPANOLIL (VELLOOKUNNEL) family from ERATTUPETTA. They had nine children, ROSSAMMA, V.M.SEBASTIAN (DEVASIACHAN), MATHEW JOSEPH, GEORGE MATHEW, THANKAMMA, THOMAS MATHEW, Sr. ROSELIND (MARYKUNJU), ANCY and JAMES MATHEW.

The eldest child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, ROSSAMMA was married to CHACKO. C. KADAVAN of KADAVIL family from PALLIPURAM, CHERTHALA. They had six children, JOYCHAN, KUTTICHEN, VALSAMMA, OUSEPACHAN, CHANDYKUNJU and BEENAMMA.

The second of the children of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, V. M. SEBASTIAN (DEVASIACHAN) married GRACY daughter of Mathew of THAYIL family from VAIKOM. They have four children, LEELAMMA, KUNJAMMA, MAMMACHAN and SARTHOCHAN.

The family tree below shows the families of the daughters of V.M.Sebastian (Devasiachan), LEELAMMA and KUNJAMMA.

The family tree below shows the families of the sons of V.M.Sebastian (Devasiachan), MAMACHEN and SARTHOCHAN.

The third child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, MATHEW JOSEPH (APPACHAN) married MARIYAKUTTY of PAALAKKARAN family from VADAYAR, VAIKOM. They had ten children, THANKAMMA, MARIYAMMA, MATHEW JOSEPH, GEORGE JOSEPH, JOSEPH JOSEPH, ROSSAMMA, ANCY, SEBASTIAN JOSEPH, TOM JOSEPH and LALAMMA.

The family tree below show the families of Appachan's daughters, THANKAMMA and MARIYAMMA.

The family tree below show the families of Appachan's sons' MATHEW JOSEPH (MATHACHAN) and GEORGE JOSEPH (VAKKACHAN)

The family tree below show the families of Appachan's son JOSEPaH JOSEPH (OUSEPACHAN) and daughter ROSAMMA.

The family tree below show the families of Appachan's daughter ANCY and son SEBASTIAN JOSEPH (DESUTTAN).

The family tree below show the families of Appachan's son TOM JOSEPH(TOMMICHAN) and daughter LALAMMA.

The fourth child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, MATHEW GEORGE (VAKKACHAN) married THEYAMMA of ALANICKAL MOOTHEDATHU family from VALIYAKAVUMPURAM. They have five children, MATHEW GEORGE (KUTTICHEN), MANUEL GEORGE (MAANICHEN), ELSAMMA, SALY and LICY.

The family tree below show the family of Mathew George's (Vakkachen) son KUTTICHEN.

The family tree below show the families of Mathew George's (Vakkachen) daughter ELSAMMA and son MANUEL (MAANICHEN)

The family tree below show the families of Mathew George's (Vakkachen) daughters, SALY and LICY.

The fifth child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, THANKAMMA was married to K.V. JACOB of KURUPPAMADOM family from MUVATTUPUZHA. They have six children, BABY, GEORGEUTTY, ALICE, ANCY, LALY and RAJU.

The sixth child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, THOMAS MATHEW married THRESIAMMA of NERIAMPARAMBIL family from CHANGANACHERRY. They have eight children, JESSY, JAICHEN, JANSU, JOHNYCHEN, JINSU, JAYAMMA, JULIE and JOSEMON

The family tree below show the families of Thomas Mathew's (Thommachen) daughter JESSY and son MATHEW THOMAS (JAICHEN)

The family tree below show the families of Thomas Mathew's (Thommachen) daughter JANSU and son JOHN THOMAS (JOHNICHEN)

The family tree below show the families of Thomas Mathew's (Thommachen) daughters JINSU and JAIRANI (JAYAMMA)

The family tree below show the families of Thomas Mathew's (Thommachen) daughter JULIE and JOSSY (JOSEMON)

The seventh child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, MARYKUNJU joined the Latin Congregation Convent and became a nun. She took on the name Sr. ROSELIND. She taught in St. TRESAS COLLEGE, Ernakulam till her retirement. She died in 2012.

The eighth child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, ANCY was married to K.K. CYRIAC of NJAVLLIKADANKAVIL family from KAROOR. They have seven children, MANOJ, VINU, MINI, DEEPA, REENA, KANMONY and ROSEMARY.

The nineth child of Eleyaamma and Mathoochan, JAMES MATHEW (CHACKOCHEN) married THRESIAMMA of PANCHARAYIL family from VELIYANADU.

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The youngest daughter CLARA was married off to KUDU-PAADATHIL PAARACHERRY KUNJAOUSEPACHAN of Pulincunnu.

The details of the KUDUPAADAM PARACHERRY family were given by P. P. THOMAS, the grandson of CLARA PARACHERRY (nee ETTUPARAYIL) in 2021.

A descendant of SANGARAPURI SHANGOORICKAL family from KURAVILANGADU migrated to KUTTANADU. He as a very capable and charming person. He became close to the VADAKKAMKOOR KING and maintained good relationship with the king. He settled in the KUTTICKAL homestead. One of his sons' settled in the PAZHAPARAMBU property adjacent to the KUTTICKAL homestead. In time the Kuttickal homestead came into the possession of this descendant. The Kuttickal homestead is no more. The property where the Kuttickal homestead stood is now (2020) within the walls of the Pazhayaparambil property. The ancestor who settled in Pazhayaparambu had three sons. MATHAN, POTHAN and MAMACHAN.

The eldest son MATHAN settled in KUDUPAADAM property. He married from the THOPPIL family. He had several children. His eldset son became a priest. When he died he was buried in the Pulincunnu Kovenda . The tomb still stands. There was another younger brother who also was a priest, We don't know where he is buried, but it is written that Bishop Mar Luis attended the funeral. He had not become a bishop then. It was during this time Mar Luis was de-robed and thrown out of the church. Mar Luis was the leader of a group of priests demanding a native Bishop for the local laity and clergy. At that time only the European priests were allowed to become Bishops. They were against appointing the local clergy as Bishops. The local clergy had written many times to the Vatican demanding local self rule. The European Bishop and priests who ruled from Varapuzha reported to the Vatican that the priests demanding local self rule were morally corrupt and were trouble makers. The order came from Vatican that these priests be disrobed and thrown out. Thus Mar Luis came back to Pazhayaparambil and stayed there for some years. He continuously kept on corresponding with the Vatican. Thus on the order of Vatican an Arch Bishop from Goa came for an enquiry. This cross examination was done in Mannanam. Mar Luis's English was strong and fluent so he could present his arguments cogently and forcefully. The report of the Arch Bishop to the Vatican was in favor of Mar Luis and the other local priests and that their demands are justifiable. Also unlike previously assumed that there were a large number of Syrian Christians and that they need to be led by a local Bishop. But as the local clergy had no experience there is a need for a temporary Bishop to train them. On the basis of that report BISHOP LEVINJU was appointed.

MATHAN of Kudpaadam was very affluent and farsighted. When his children were young he realised the importance of teaching them English. In those days there were no schools and colleges. He arranged for a Swamy from Palakkad who was very good in English to come to Pazhayaparambu and teach them English. Mathan build an out house for the Swamy to stay and he arranged a Nair to cook for him. The Swami thus taught the Pazhayaparambu children speak and think in English. BISHOP LEVINJU was either a Frenchman or a Belgian. Bishop Levinju needed a secretary to understand and interact the the local Clergy and the laity. He interviewed many priests and liked Mar Luis the best. Mar Luis was appointed as the secretary. Bishop Levinju initially headquartered in Kottayam. Bishop Levinju rented a large building from a Jacobite. After Mar Luis became the Bishop's secretary he opined that it's best to make Changanacherry the Bishop's base, as Syrian Christians were more concentrated in Changanachery and Kottayam was dominated by Jacobites. So the Bishop shifted his headquarters to Changanacherry.

At that time the only college in the land was the CMS College in Kottayam run by the Jacobites. Mar Luis was interested in a college run by the Catholic Church. He got the permission from Bishop Levinju for buying the land for the college. He considered many sites, but ultimately settled on the place known as 'VEDIKKUNNU'. It was thus known because it was the place where the fireworks of the Changanacherry church festival was held. It belonged to one of the laity. At the same time NIDHIYIRICKAL MAANI KATHANAR (Rev. Fr. Maani) tried his best to get the college built in Kuravilangad. But the influence of Mar Luis over Bishop Livinju prevailed in blocking Nidiyirickal Maani Kathnar and getting the St. BERCHMANS COLLEGE built in Changanacherry. Vedikkunnu was bought for constructing the college. Mar Luis appointed Fr. MATHEW PURACKAL M.A, of the Purackal family from Pulincunnu to oversee the construction of the college. But due to health issues of the Bishop Livinju the construction work could not be started immediately. Bishop Levinju had become old and infirm so he desired to return to Europe. He took his secretary Mar Luis with him to Vatican and there the bishop convinced the Pope that Mar Luis had enough experience and was capable of being made a Bishop. Thus Mar Luis returned home a Bishop. BISHOP MAR LUIS became the first native Bishop of the SYRO MALABAR CHURCH. Technically there was another native bishop a hundred years before. That native priest after being appointed as Bishop of Syro Malabar Church, on his way back home got down in Goa. There he was supposedly murdered by the jealous European priests. Thus that priest never set foot in Kerala as Bishop. After coming back to Kerala Bishop Mar Luis set up his headquarters at Ernakulam.

When Mar Luis became Bishop of the Syro Malabar Church, the Knayaya sect started agitating for a Bishop of their own. Soon they too were given a bishop by Pope Pius X. Bishop Mar Mathai Mathew was appointed as the Knayaya bishop. He based himself in Changanacherry temporarily. The laity in Changanacherry being mostly Syrian Christians were not appealed by the Knayaya bishop. So Bishop Mathai Mathew shifted his base to Kottayam. Some time after this the Marthomites coronated Kurialasserry as Bishop in Champakulam. He later based himself in Changanacherry. The successor to Bishop Mathai Mathew was Bishop Tharayil (Fr. Thomas Tharayil). THARAYIL BISHOP was very close to N. X. CHERIAN (ETTUPARAYIL). N. X. Cherian was the personal advisor of Tharayil Bishop.

Even though the property for the St. Berchmans College was purchased by Mar Luis, it was only during the time of KURIALASSERY BISHOP that the college was constructed. The college was built under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Mathew Purackal. He on being appointed to build the college went to England and other places and studied the layout of the colleges there. After coming back he built the St. Berchmans College based on those models. He had huge funds at his disposal. After building the college he also became the first Principal of St. Berchmans College. With the excess funds after building the college he purchased an estate near Adoor. This estate was later shared among his brothers' children.

The second son POTHAN married an heiress from KIZHAKKEKKAA family from PALA and settle there in Pala.

The youngest son MAMACHAN settled in the PAZHAYAPARAMBU homestead. He had only a son and a daughter. The son became a priest, and he went on to become the first BISHOP of the SYRO MALABAR CHURCH. He was BISHOP MAR LUIS. The only daughter was married to the eldest of the ten VACHAPARAMBIL brothers. He settled in the Pazhayaparambu homestead. He was known as KIZHANGAADAN. When they had three children the wife passed away. The children were two boys, MATHAN and THOMMIKUNJU and a girl. The elder of the sons MATHAN moved to PARUTHICKAL and settled there. THOMMIKUNJU settled in the PAZHAYAPARAMBU tharavad. Their only sister was married to Adv. JOSEPH (JOSEPH VAKKEEL) of PAANAPALLY family from ALAPPUZHA.

KIZHANGAADAN remarried from the KAANJICKAL family from PULINCUNNU. From this alliance he had four children, CHACKOCHAN, KUNCHERICHAN, AAPPOOCHAN and MATHUKUTTY. Chackochan settled in KANNOTTUTHARA and he was known as Kannottuthara Valiya Chackochan. The second son settled in EERAPPAADY and he was known as Eerappady Kuncherichan. The third son Aappoochan became a priest. The youngest son became known as KIZHANGATTU MATHUKUTTY.

The ancestor of the KUTTICKAL family were known as KUTTICKAL THARAKAN. This was a knighthood given by the VADAKKUMKOOR KING. The places like Pulincunnu, Mancompu, Alappuzha up to Aroor were under the rule of Vadakkumkoor kings. Among Christians Vadakkumkoor king was most close with the Kuttickal ancestor. Therefore the king bequeathed him lots of land taxable and otherwise. This king made him a noble and knighted him 'Tharakan'. The king of Travancore started his campaign to consolidate his position as supreme king. First he defeated the king of Kayamkulam, Then the king of Mavelikkara. Vadakkumkoor king fled the palace on the onslaught of Marthanda Varma. King MarthandaVarma ransacked the palace of Vadakkumkoor king.

The descendants of Kuttickal Tharakan said to themselves that our king is gone so also is the kingdom gone. Then there is no value in keeping the title ' Tharakan' Thus they removed the suffix Tharakan from their name.[I deduce there is another more clever reason behind the removal of the title THARAKAN from their names. The reason being that if they use the title Tharakan and the new king Marthanda Varma comes to know that they are using the knighthood given by the defeated king, it will become known that the Kuttickal family were favourable to the Vadakkumkoor king. This will earn the displeasure of the new king Marthanda Varma..] At the same time the Paarayi Tharakans who too had earned the title Tharakan from the Vadakkumkoor kings did not cast away their title.

During those times Pulincunnu was predominant with Nair families. There were more than three hundred prominent Nair families in Pulincunnu. But all these families were in decline. Their dwindling fortunes forced many of them to sell their properties and homesteads. Most of these properties were bought up by the old and newly rich Christian families.

MATHAN who settled in KUDUPAADAM was clever and affluent. He acquired several such properties sold by the Nair families. One such property belonged to the famous MANGALAPALLY KAIMALS. Another such property belonged to the powerful and influential PARACHERRY NAIRS. One of Mathan's sons settled in CHENATHU property. The second son KURIAN settled in the MANGALAPALLY property. The third son OUSEPACHAN settled in the PARACHERRY property.

The thirdson OUSEPACHAN who settled in the property bought from the Paracherry Nair named his homestead PARACHERRY. In those times and until recently it was common among Christians to take on the names of the property on which they settled as their own. Paracherry Ousepachan was very close with Vachaparambil Ousepachan. So when the adjacent property which also belonged to a Paracherry Nair came up for sale Paracherry Ousepachan compelled his close friend Vachaparambil Ousepachan to buy that property, so that he could have his favorite friend as neighbor. Vachaparambil Ousepachan also was looking for an appropriate property to settle. Thus there came to be two Paracherry families in Pulincunnu that were not by blood. The Vachaparambil set came to be known as KIZHAKKE PARACHERRY and the Kudupaadam set came to be called the PADINJAARREI PARRACHERRY.

OUSEPACHAN of PADINJAARRE PARACHERRY (KUDUPAADAM) married CLARA daughter of Thommachan of ETTUPARAYIL family from KANNADY. They were blessed with nine children, five daughters followed by four sons. They are EETHAMMA, ......., .........., ANNAMMA (UNNICHAMMA), MARIAAMMA, POTHACHAN, THOMMACHAN, MATHACHAN and KOCHUOUSEPACHAN.

1. EETHAMMA (BRIJEETHA) the eldest of the children was married to JOSEPH of KATTIKKARAN family. They are now settled in Ernakulam.

2. The second daughter was married to the MEDAYIL family from CHAMPAKULAM.

3. The third daughter was married to VAREECHAN of CHOTHIRAKKUNNEL family from THOTTAKKAD.

4. ANNAMMA (UNNICHAMMA) was married to OUSEPACHAN of VAZHATHOPPIL family from ALAPPUZHA. They had a large oil mil in Alappuzha. It had eighteen oil presses (Chakku).

Shouvriarkutty (Veliyil) son of N.X.Joseph Ettuparayil (Mavelil Appachan) worked in the mill for a short period of time soon after his Matriculation, before he involved himself in agriculture. [CLARA was his grandfather's sister]. The descendants of Ousepachan now own (2020) and run the DUROFLEX Company.

5. MARIAMMA was married to PAULOCHAN of PUTHAMANA family from PONKUNNAM.

All the daughters were older than the sons.

6. POTHACHAN first married from KIZHAKKEKKARA family from PALA. After bearing a son (P.P.ANTONY) she passed away. Pothachan then married MARIAMMA (also called Mariyaama) of MAANAATTU POLAPARAMBIL family from ERNAKULAM. from this alliance he had three sons JOSEPH, JOHN, THOMAS and two daughters, THANKAMMA and ALICE.

I. P. P. ANTONY married THANKAMMA of MAMBALATHIL PATHINANCHIL family from KAINAKARY. She is a heiress. He retired as the Senior Manager of Canara Bank. He is settled in ALAPPUZHA. They have six children, five daughters and a son.

(i) SHAJI, finished her education M.Sc, B.Ed, and worked in South Africa. After she retired she came back home and settled down.

(ii) TESSY retired as an officer in the State Bank of India. Her husband retired as the Manager of Canara Bank. They are settled in Pala.

(iii) CIBI was the Assistant Manager of South Indian Bank when she retired. Her husband retired as the Manager of Federal Bank. They are settled in Changanacherry.

(iv) ROSSAMMA retired as the Accounts Officer of KSFE. Her husband retired as a Railway Station Manager.

(v) JOPPAN the only son married from MAPPILASSERRY family from CHAMPAKULAM. He is working in South Africa. He is temporarily settled there with his family.

(vi) LYEMOL was married to TONY of PAALAKUNNEL family from MAMOOTIL, CHANGANACHERRY. He is a higher secondary school Maths teacher teaching in S.B High School.

II. Fr. JOSEPH PARACHERRY leads a retired life. He is an invalid. He had a major brain surgery a few years back. He never fully recovered from that operation. He had lost his memory and is being cared for in a Priest Home in Ithithanam, Changanacherry. He is eighty six years old now (2020).

III. P. P. JOHN completed his degree and joined the State Bank of Travancore. He retired as an Officer of the SBT. He married ALEYKUTTY of CHETHIMATTOM family from MUTTAAR. He died in 2017. They had four children, two sons and two daughters.

(i) JOSEPHKUTTY is working in Dubai.

(ii) JOJI is settled in Kerala.

(iii) JANCY is married.

(iv) JINCY is also married.

IV. P. P. THOMAS worked as Stores Section Superintendent in BOKKARO Steel Plant in India. After retirement he settled in Ernakulam. He married MARY of PAICKKAMPALLY family from ERNAKULAM. He is eighty years old now (2020). They have two children, a son SANJU and a daughter SUMA.

(i) SANJU THOMAS did his Pre Degree, then went to Delhi and did a Diploma. He married JISHA from THODUPUZHA. Both of them are working in Dubai.

(ii) SUMA THOMAS is married to DENJU of VENGOORAN family from KOTHAMANGALAM. Suma is a house wife. Denju and his two brothers jointly run a Paint and Hardware Store in Kothamangalam.

V. THANKAMMA is married to K. O. JOHN of NJAALIL family from KANJIRAMATTOM, ERNAKULAM. He was working in the Government Tourism Department. He retired as the Joint Director of Tourism Department. They have three children, sons and a daughter.

(i) SHIBU JOHN is an officer in the Passport Department. He married ANNIE who is also working in the Passport Office.

(ii) GIJU JOHN runs his own business. He married SINCY from ARAYANKAVU.

(iii) HONEY is married to SUNNY of PALLIPURAM family VAIKOM. He is a Government Insurance Officer.

VI. ANNIE is married to DOMINIC of PONGANTHARAYIL family from KAINAKARY. They are now settled in ALAPPUZHA. They have three children, one daughter and two sons.

(i) NEETHU married from ALAPPUZHA.

(ii) CHACKO studied AC Mechanism.

(iii) SANTHOSH completed his B.Com degree and is an accountant in a private firm.

7. THOMMACHAN (the second son of Paracherry Ousepachan and Clara) was very well educated. He was very proficient in the English language and also other languages. He married from the KANIYAMPARAMBIL family from ALAPPUZHA. They have one son and one daughter,

(i) THAMBICHAN was in the Government Service in Delhi. He is married. After retiring he settled in AYARKKUNNAM. He died in 2018.

(ii) BABY was married to ABRAHAM of PULIKKATTISSERRY family from AYAMANAOM, KOTTAYAM.

8. MATHACHAN remained a bachelor all his life.

9. KOCHOUSEPH too remained unmarried. During the end of the First World War he worked with the British in Calcutta. He too was College educated. After he returned from Calcutta he bought property in Ernakulam and settled there.

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NINTH GENERATION

ETTUPARAYIL SUOUVRIAR-ACHAN

SHOUVRIYAR, the younger son of Ettuparayil Thommachan lived in the Ettuparayil homestead. He was also known among his relatives with the alias KOCHAPPAN. He became a legend during his time. He was a brave and daring person who was enthusiastic and adventurous. He was shrewd and intelligent in devising new and innovative ways to create wealth. He was skilful and hardworking. He amassed untold wealth and property through his ingenuity and extra-ordinary abilities. Chief among his attributes were his fortitude and great courage. Also one of the main reasons for his success was the co-operation and prayers of his pious and charitable wife.

Shouriyarachan through his shrewd and painstaking efforts earned great wealth and huge tracts of land. The share of wealth that he gave each of his sons were greater than what most of the contemporary rich and important families of Kuttanadu had. He also gave his children, including the girls, good education in English medium schools and colleges. Shouviriyarachan's ancestor had come to Kuttanadu empty handed and had to appeal to the magnanimity of the then Thampuran of Pullamplaayil castle. The Thampuran wholeheartedly helped Thommi Panicker to get on his feet. Shouvriyarachan deferentially went before the famous VALIYA-KOIYI-THAMPURAN of LAKSHMI-PURAM castle of Changanacherry and bought from him the Pullamplaayil property, where once the Pullamplaayil royal palace stood. Not only that, he also bought the MAVELY property where the Mavely castle once stood. These properties are still in the possession of his descendants.

Shouriyarachan was not only shrewd but also very farsighted and assessed people very quickly. His second son Kuriachan saw the beautiful sister VAKKUTHY (CHECHAMMA) of Njaanasnady (Paattathil) Ousepachan and fell in love with her. He wanted to marry her. All would have gone well but for his cousin Thoppil Thommachan, who torpedoed the whole arrangement. In his ire he wrote a couplet,

Thoppan, mahaa chathiyan, vanchakan.

Avan aa penninei valachu, thulachu...

Against his father's wishes, Kuriachan in his obstinancy went and married from one of the most aristocratic of the Catholic families in Travancore Cochin, the Paarayil family from Aroor. After the marriage when the relatives of the bride were leaving for Aroor in country boats, Aleykutty, the wife of Mavelil Appachan was packing food for the guests to eat on the way. Kochappan on seeing Aleykutty pack the food in copper and bronze vessels told her that they were the Paarayis and so pack the food in plantain leaves. Aleykutty agreed to do so, but belonging to the Kanjooparambil family her pride wouldn't let her compromise. So behind Kochappan's back she packed the food in costly copper and bronze vessels. When the boatmen returned from Aroor she asked for her costly vessels. The reply she got was that the guests after finishing their meals threw most of the vessels in the river.

Note added by Santhosh Antony:- In my curiosity I ventured to find out what happened to Vakkuthy. She was married to Poochalil Anthonichan. Poochalil is also known as Ettukettil. Anthonichan is the grandson of Neduvelil (Thoppil) Cherian

Shouvriyarachan who lived his life in lofty splendor and prosperity, was married to KUDU-PAADATHIL THRESIAAMMA of Pulincunnu. In the Kudupaadam family there were only three girls- all heiresses. When Shouriyarachan married Thresiamma, there were only two girls. One became a nun. So Thresiamma was a sole heiress. But soon after their marriage another sister was born in Thresiamma’s family. All three of them were beautiful. Shouvriyarachan married the second of the three daughters. Through this marriage a huge measure of property and assets came into his hands. It is not this wealth that sustained and multiplied the splendor and prosperity of his family. But the bedrock of this family's wealth was this gem of a lady herself. Her humility, gentleness, discipline, tactfulness and moral principles were legendary.

THRESIAAMMA

The history of the ETTUPARAYIL family won't truly be justified unless Thresiaamma's quintessential role in this family is mentioned. She was the second of the three sisters of the KUDU-PAADATHIL MANGALA-PALLIYIL family. The eldest sister entered a convent and became a nun The youngest of her sisters KUNJUMARIAAMMA was married to THOMMACHAN of VACHAPARAMBIL family and they settled down in Kudupaadom Mangalapally. This branch later became Vachaparambu Mangalapally.. Thresiaamma was heir to a vast amount of wealth and property, but she was a very gentle and pious woman. Even though she came from a very rich and aristocratic family, she was humble and modest, and very obedient to her husband. She had that intrinsic goodness in her. Even in her dealings with the servants she was gentle and caring. In those days the landlords were like kings and had complete power over their servants. The times were such, that the landlords and their families were mostly callous and cruel to their servants and to the people below their station. This beautiful, graceful and pious lady was very loving and caring towards them. Her dealings even with the servants were gentle and full of love. She never uttered a cruel word, nor did she raise her voice in anger or authority. She was happy to help out any one at any time. She was compassionate and charitable towards the poor and needy. She was a person who needs to be emulated. Everyone who came to Ettuparayil for help never went away disappointed. She found joy and satisfaction in helping out the needy. She never gave any importance to money or splendour or fame. She was a very spiritual person and was devoted to her husband. She never revealed or spoke about her charitable works.

Thresiaamma blunted Kochappan's harshness. Here is a story retold by Giju (Thankappan's son) Ettuparayil who heard it from his father. Once after the harvesting the paddy was being brought to Ettupara by country boats. His elder brother Ousepachan stopped the boats on the way and unloaded some of the paddy at Elambrakottu. When Kochappan came to hear about it, he became angry and raved. Thresiaamma calmed Kochappan by telling him," After all he is your brother, why not let him take what he want. You won't be ruined by what he took. You have enough and more". --- added by Santhosh Antony (2020). Another story I heard from my grandmother was that whenever Kochappan beat the servants for disobedience, Thresiamma would secretly soothe them and apply salve on their wounds and weal’s.

Thresiaamma gave birth to nine children. When she died she was only thirty two years old. She was laid to rest in the Kavalam church cemetery. Rev. Fr. THOMAS KURI-YALA*-SSE^RY [Thoamma Kathanaar] later on Bishop of Changanacherry, led the burial detail. In his speech before she was laid to rest, he declared thus, "As her spiritual father I can boldly say that it is not for Thresiamma who lies in this coffin that we should pray for, but it is enough that we pray to her for GOD's blessings". From these words alone we can guess how holy and humble a life this Thresiaamma had led.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE VACHAPARAMBIL FAMILY

....as retold by P.P.THOMAS of Paracherry (kudupaadom).

When speaking about THRESIAMMA and SHOUVRIYAR (KOCHAPPAN) one won't get a complete picture if something isn't said about the VACHAPARAMBIL family. When Shouvriyar married Thresiamma who was thirteen at the time of her marriage there were only two sisters. Kunjumariaamma, the younger sister of Thresiamma was born soon after Thresiamma's marriage.

THRESIAMMA is the daughter of KURIAN who shifted from KODUPAADAM and settled in MANGALAPALLY. Kurian's father MATHAN was the eldest of the three brothers who moved from the PAZHAYAPARAMBU homestead to Kudupaadam. Mathan's father moved to Pazhayaparambu from the KUTTICKAL homestead.

KUNJUMARIAAMMA married THOMMACHAN of VACHAPARAMBIL family from PULINCUNNU. They settled in MANGALAPALLY. The history of the Vachaparambil family begins with an ancestor who came to KUTTANADU from CHENGALAM to trade in Betal leaves (vettila kachavadam). This ancestor stayed in MALEACKAL. He had two sons and a daughter. One of them moved to PAATTAM and the other one settled in VACHAPARAMBU. The ancestor who settled in Vachaparambu had ten sons and a daughter. The eldest of the ten sons, KIZHANGAADAN married the heiress of the PAZHAYAPARAMBIL family and settled there. THOMMACHAN, one of the younger brothers' of Kizhangaadan married KUNJUMARIAAMMA and settled in MANGALAPALLY. Another one of the ten brothers' became a priest, Fr. Monsignor ZACHERIAS VACHAPARAMBIL. The youngest of the ten brothers is a lawyer, Adv. XAVIER.

The ancestor who moved to PAATTAM had three sons. The eldest KUNCHERICHAN moved to MAALOOR. His son is MAALOOR OUSEPACHAN. Ousepachan had two daughters and a son KOCHUOUSEPACHAN. Kochuousepachan died in 2019. The second of the three sons (PAATTOM) moved to PATHIL. The youngest of the three MATHAPPY inherited the Paattam homestead.

There was bad blood between the co-brothers Shouvriyarachan and Thommachan. Both of them were headstrong and wilful. An dispute over the possession of a single coconut tree led to a big civil case, which eventually was won by Shouvriyarachan. The irony is that they both had huge tracts of land. This story was told to P.P.Thomas by his grandmother Clara.

MANGALAPALLY (VACHAPARAMBIL) THOMMACHAN and KUNJUMARIAAMMA had twelve children, seven sons and five daughters. They are -

1. Prof. M.T. KURIAN. He retired from S B College as the Head of the Department of Mathematics.

2. M.T. MATHEW (MATHAMMA)

3. M.T. CHACKO (CHACKOCHAN)

4. Fr. ANTONY S. J. He was the Vice Principal of Loyola College, Madras.

5. M.T. JOSEPH B.A, B.L. (AAPPACHAN)

6. M.T. KUNCHERIA (KUNCHERICHAN)

7. M.T. GEORGE (VAKKACHAN). He married from the PLACKKATTU family from MANIMALA.

8. The eldest of the daughter's was married to the VARIAMPARAMBIL family from THYCATTUSSERRY, CHERTHALA.

9. The second of the daughter's was married to the PALLIPURAM family from ALAPPUZHA.

10. The third daughter ACCHAMMA became a nun.

11. The fourth daughter THERESA also became a nun. Sr. Theresa was the Headmistress of Little Flower GHS, Pulincunnu.

12. The youngest of the daughters KUNJATTAAMMA was married to the PALLIVATHUCKKAL family from KANJIRAPALLY. They are settld in Ernakulam.

Shouvriyarachan had nine children; three daughters and six sons. They were THOMMACHAN, KURIACHAN, EETHAMMA, MARIYAKUTTY, APPACHAN, CHERIACHAN, ACCHAAMMA, MAATHACHAN and VAKKACHAN. All of them were healthy and strictly brought up.

Shouriyarachan who was abundantly graced by GOD in all his endeavours died in his fifty seventh year of birth. He had gone to Madurai for more proficient treatment for his stomach related illness. There in the General Hospital he was subjected to an operation from which he never recovered. In the year 1921, on 2^nd November (Malayalam year 1097, Thulaa maasam) Shouvriyarachan closed his eyes forever. Travelling was never easy in those days like it is today. So he was buried there in the cemetery of the Catholic Church in Madurai. Years later his children built a marble tomb over the place in the Madurai cemetery where he was buried. This marble tomb still stands today.

A Verse on Shouvriyaarachan

The author of YOO-DHA-KULA JEE-VAY-SHWA-RI and other such dramas; and the satirical poet and Malayalam pundit of the Kottayam C.M.S.College Mr. V.K.Kuruvilla munshi once wrote a slokam on the virtues of Shouvriyaarachan. In a congratulatory message send in 1903 [Malayalam era 1078] he complimented Shouriyaarachan thus;

ശൌർയ്യാദിസൽഗുണങ്ങളിണങ്ങീടുന്ന

Shouviriyaa-dhi-sl guna-gana-ngal-inageedu-nna

ശൌര്യാരുസാറവർ കളബിനോടൂഴി തന്നിൽ

Shouvriyaaru-saar-avar kalimbi-no-doozhi thannil

ധൈര്യദിതീതി വിനയാദിപയോധിയായി-

Dhy-ryaa-dhi-theethe vinayaa-dhi-pa-yodhi-yaayi-

ട്ടാർയ്യാശയൻ വളരെ നാൾ വിജയിച്ചീടട്ടെ

ttaa-ryyaa-ssa-yen vala-ray naal vijayi-chee-da-ttey

Roughly translated it means:-

Noble virtues of valour imbedded in thee

Shouriyar sir like a sweet sound serve thee

Courage and humility recline in thee

Noble one may thou be victorious a long time.

The eldest daughter of Ettuparayil Shouvriyaar, EETHAMMA studied English from the Changanacherry convent and became a nun there in the Carmelite Convent. She assumed the name Sr. Mariam Thresia on becoming a nun.

NADAMAADOM (VELLOOKUNNEL)

The second daughter of Ettuparayil Shouvriyaar, ACCHAAMMA was married off to NADAMAADOM THOMMACHAN of PULIKKI [VELLOOKUNNEL] family of Aruvithara, Pala. Acchaamma died in her old age in the year 1968, in a hospital in Kanjirapally. They had eight children, GEORGE (VAKKACHAN), SAURIACHAN, JOSEPH (APPACHAN), JACOB, ROSSAKUTTY, THRESIAMMA, MARIAKUTTY and ANNAMMA.

The eldest son (of Nadamadom Thommachan and Ettuparayil Acchamma) V.T.GEORGE (Vakkachan) married MARIAMMA of KURUVINAKUNNEL family from EDAMATTOM. They had six children, THOMAS (TOMMY), GEORGE (VARKEYCHAN), JOSE, KURIAN, ANIAMMA and ROSE.

G.THOMAS (TOMMY) the eldest son of V.T.George (Vakkachan) married KUNJAMMA of VAYAMPOTHANAL family from ARUVITHARA, ERATTUPETTA.

They had four children GEORGE (VAKKACHAN), TONY, JOSEPH (JOJU) and MANJU.

KALAPURACKAL (VETTOM)

TENTH GENERATION

The third daughter of Ettuparayil Shouvriyaar, N.X.MARY (MARIAKUTTY) (മറിയക്കുട്ടി) was married off to V.T.JOSEPH [VETTATHU APPACHAN (വെട്ടത്ത് അപ്പച്ചൻ)] of KALA-PURACKAL (കളപ്പുരക്കൽ) family in Kainakary (കൈനകരി).

VETTATHU APPACHAN is the son of Thommikunju of Kalapurackal family from Kainakary. They had four children, ACCHAAMMA, THOMMIKUNJU, SHOUVRIYAARKUTTY and THARAMMA.

ELEVENTH GENERATION

1. The eldest child ACCHAAMMA (അച്ചാമ്മ) joined the CMC Congregation and became a nun. She was called Sr. MARY CRUCIFIX CMC.

ELEVENTH GENERATION

2. THOMMIKUNJU (തൊമ്മിക്കുഞ്ഞ്) married CHACHIKUTTY (ചാച്ചിക്കുട്ടി) daughter of ETTUKETTIL MALIEKKEL Cheriachan (എട്ടുകെട്ടിൽ മാളിയേക്കൽ ചെറിയാച്ചൻ) from VELIYANADU (വെളിയനാട്). Chachikutty’s mother is Aleykutty (ഏലിക്കുട്ടി) of Kollemkulam (കൊല്ലങ്കുളം) family from Kanjirapally (കാഞ്ഞിരപള്ളി). Thommikunju and Chachikutty have three children, APPACHAN (അപ്പച്ചൻ) (V.T.JOSEPH), MARIAMMA and ELAMMA.

TWELFTH GENERATION

(i) Dr. V.T.JOSEPH (APPACHAN) MBBS, M.S, DLO, ENT surgeon married ANNA AUGUSTINE daughter of M.C.Augustine of MALIEKKAL (മാളിയേക്കൽ) family from KUZHUPILLY (കുഴുപ്പിള്ളി). Annie’s mother is Santha (ശാന്ത) Augustine. Appachan and Annie have three children, TESSA JOSEPH, THOMAS JOSEPH and MARIA JOSEPH.

The present (2021) address of Dr. V.T.Joseph is,

Vettom, 46/782, Link India Road, Vennala P.O, Ernakulam. Mobile number: 9847943778

THIRTEENTH GENERATION

a) TESSA married ARUN (ALEXANDER JAMES) son of Babu and Mary of MATTATHIL (മറ്റത്തിൽ) family from MUHAMMA (മുഹമ്മ). Tessa is a doctor. She did her post graduation. (MD in PATHOLOGY). Alexander is working in Infosys as a Project Manager in Hannover, Germany. They both are in Germany. They have one child at present (2021). Their son is called JAMES.

b) THOMAS married NEETHU (നീതു). Neethu is the daughter of Tony and Jancy of PAYYAPILLY (പൈയ്യപിള്ളി) family from CHALAKUDY (ചാലക്കുടി). She completed her MCA and is now (2021) working with Faro in Stuttgart, Germany. Thomas after completing his B.Tech in Electronics and Communications did his M.S in Micro Nano Systems and Electronics from Technical University in Chemintz, Germany. He is now (2021) doing his PhD (final year) in 2 D Material in Helm, Hortz Institute, Dressden, Germany.

c) MARIA is also a doctor. She is doing her post graduation (MD in General Medicine) final year now (2021). She is married to Dr. JOSEPH.T.ANTONY (DM. RHUMATOLOGY) (2 yr). He did his MD in General Medicine and did his MRCP in U,K. He is now (2021) doing his final year super specialization in Rhumatology. He is the son of Dr. T.P.Antony and Merra of THEKKANATH PANDARAVALAPPIL (തെക്കനത്ത് പണ്ടാരവളപ്പിൽ) family from TRICHUR (ത്രശ്ശൂർ).

TWELFTH GENERATION

(ii) MARIAMMA (മറിയമ്മ), the second child of Thommikunju and Chachikutty was married to RAJAN MATHEW of OUSEP PARAMBIL (ഔസ്സപ്പുപറംബിൽ) family from PALA (പാലാ). Now they are settled in Ernakulam. They have two children, MITHUN (മിതുൺ) and RENU (രേണു).

THIRTEENTH GENERATION

a) MITHUN RAJAN did his B.Tech (IT). He married TESSA of ADIPUZHA, MALLAPALLY (അടിപുഴ, മല്ലപ്പള്ളി). She also did her B.Tech. They are temporarily settled in Kentucky, USA now (2021). They have two children, MARY ANN and JOANNA.

b) RENU RAJAN after completing her B.Tech (IT) is now (2021) working in Info Park, Kakkanadu, Ernakulam.

TWELFTH GENERATION

(iii) ELAMMA (ഏലമ്മ) THOMAS married to OUSEPACHAN (ഔസേപ്പച്ചൻ) (M.Tech from IIT). He belongs to the AANAPARAMBIL (ആനാപറംബിൽ) family from THALAYOLAPARUMBU (തലയോലപറംബ്). They are settled in New Zeland now (2021). They have two children, MEERA (മീറ) and GEORGE.

Their present (2021) address is

39/9 Gorden Street; Avlon, Lower Hut; Wellington; New Zeland.

THIRTEENTH GENERATION

a) Dr. MEERA, MBBS, MD. (Pathology student) (2021).

b) GEORGE.

ELEVENTH GENERATION

3. SHOUVRIYAARKUTTY (ശൌരൃാർകുട്ടി) the third child of Vettathu Appachan and Mariakutty married ALEYKUTTY (ഏലിക്കുട്ടി) of PUTHENPURACKAL (പുത്തൻപുരയ്ക്കൽ) family from PULINCUNNU (പുളിങ്കുന്ന്). They had six children, MARIAMMA, APPACHAN, ANNAMMA, BABU, TOMMY and TESSY.

TWELFTH GENERATION

(i) MARIAMMA (മറിയമ്മ) the eldest child, married to JOYCHAN of KAATTUPARAMBIL (കാട്ടുപറബിൽ) family from PERUNNA, CHANGANACHERRY (പെരുന്ന, ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി). Phonenumber: 0481-2420482. They have two children, SANGEETHA and SANJITH.

THIRTEENTH GENERATION

a) SANGEETHA (സംഗീത) married to JYJU (ജൈജു) of THEKKAY-VALLIA-RA (തെക്കേവല്ലൃറ) family from THYCATTUSSERRY, CHERTHALA (തൈക്കാട്ടുശ്ശരി, ചേർത്തല). He is working in Nigeria now (2021) Mobile Number: 8891662035. They have two children, ANNIE and PAUL. Both the children are studying now (2021).

b) SANJITH (സഞ്ചിത്ത്) married DIVYA (ദവൃ) of NELLIKUNNEL (നെല്ലിക്കുന്നേൽ) family from KADALIKKADU, MUVATTUPUZHA (കദളിക്കാട്, മുവാറ്റുപുഴ). He is a Planter (2021). His Mobile number is 9074621459. They have four chidren, NEAL ANTO, NISHAL GEORGE (നിഷാൽ), NEHA MARIA (നേഹ) and NIHAL (നിഹാൽ).

TWELFTH GENERATION

(ii) (Late) APPACHAN (അപ്പച്ചൻ), the second child of Shouvriyaarkutty, married JESSYAMMA (ജെസ്സിയമ്മ) of CHENNOTH (ചേന്നോത്ത്) family from KOKKAMANGALAM (കോക്കമംഗലം), CHERTHLA (ചേർത്തല). They had two chidren ELSA and XAVI (സേവി).

THIRTEENTH GENERATION

a) ELSA is married to AJITH of CHEMBAY-THU (ചെംബേത്ത്) family from MUTHOLAPURAM (മുത്തോലപുരം). They are in California, USA. Mobile number: 9495357309. They have two children CHRISTO and SERIN

b) XAVI (സേവി) did his B.Tech and is now (2021) engaged in business. His Mobile number is 8089874120.

TWELFTH GENERATION

(iii) ANNAMMA (അന്നമ്മ), the third child of Shouvriyaarkutty, married to PAULY (പോളി) of KULANGARA (കുളങ്ങര) family from MOOKKANNOOR, ANGAMALY (മൂക്കന്നൂർ, അങ്കമാലി). Their mobile number is 9495791383. They have two children, JERIN (ജെറൻ) and AKHIL (അഖിൽ).

THIRTEENTH GENERATION

a) Dr. JERIN (MDS) married Dr. MEENU of ANTHRAPER (അന്ത്രപ്പേർ) family and they have two children, PAUL and ANNA.

b) AKHIL (അഖിൽ) married SUMI of THALIATH (തളിയത്ത്) family from VARAPUZHA (വരാപ്പുഴ). Akhil is a B.Tech holder (IT). He is working in Banglore now (2021). At present (2021) they have a daughter, IRENE (ഐറിൻ).

TWELFTH GENERATION

(iv) BABU (ബാബു), the fourth child of Shouvriyaarkutty, married TESSY (റ്റെസ്സി) of MAPPILASSERRY (മാപ്പിളശ്ശേരി) family from CHAMPAKULAM (ചംബക്കുളം). His mobile number is 9447252775. They have two children, CHINTU (ചിന്റ്റു) and AJU (അജു).

THIRTEENTH GENERATION

a) CHINTU ചിന്റ്റു) married to BYJU (ബൈജു) of KUTTIKKADU (കുട്ടിക്കാട്) family from MOZHUKKUNNAM, ALAPPUZHA (മൊഴുകുന്നം, ആലപ്പുഴ). He is working in ABUDHABI. Their Mobile number is 8089247162. At present (2021) they have a son, AIDEN (എയ്ദൻ).

b) AJU did his Bachelor’s in Law and became a lawyer. He is now (2021) working in UK.

TWELFTH GENERATION

(ii) (Late) TOMMY

TWELFTH GENERATION

(i) TESSY (റ്റെസ്സി), the sixth child of Shouriyaarkutty, was married to DEVASIACHAN (ദേവസൃാച്ചൻ) of PULIMAACKAL, KURISHUMMOODU (പുളിമാക്കൽ, കുരിശുംമൂട്) family from AANAKALLU, KANJIRAPALLY (ആനക്കല്ല്, കാഞ്ഞിരപള്ളി). They have two children EBIN and TOMMIN.

a) EBIN (എബിൻ) married MIJA (മിജാ) of EDAYI-LAY VEETIL (ഇടയിലേവീട്ടിൽ) from CHENGANNOOR (ചെങ്ങന്നൂർ). They are working in Ireland now (2021). At present (2021) they have a daughter, TIA (റ്റിയ).

b) (Late)TOMMIN (റ്റോമിൻ) after completing his B.Tech was working in a company. One day while returning from work he was involed in a fatal bike accident.

ELEVENTH GENERATION

4. THARAMMA (തറമ്മ) joined the CMC congregation and became a nun. She took the name Sr.LUCINA CMC.

N. X. MATHEW (ETTUPARAYIL MAATHACHAN)

Ettuparayil Shouvriyaarachan's fifth son Maathachan graduated from Madras Christian College for his B.A. degree. He was a well disciplined and very intelligent person. He was a favourite of both the teachers and the students. He went abroad for higher studies. He joined the Edinburgh University in England. While he was studying there he used to have bath in cold water every day like he used to at home. One day he caught Pneumonia and was hospitalised. At the age of twenty three he breathed his last. He died on February 8th, 1925. He was buried according to the Catholic rites in the Royal Cemetery of Edinburgh, witnessed by his friends and fellow students.

Years later a marble tomb was built on the grave with the inscriptions in both English and in Malayalam, by his brothers. This tomb still stands as an everlasting memory of this dear and departed son of Shouvriyaarachan. The sudden and unexpected bereavement inspired his brother Kuriechan to pen the sublime poem, "SO-DHA-RA VILAAPAM". The grief stricken Kuriechan, in this poem brilliantly extolled the virtues of his brother Maathachan. (input by N. J. Antony in 1970)

In 2012 when Mathew George Ettuparayil and his wife Valsa George visited the tomb. It was in ruins. Somebody had vandalised the area where the tomb was situated. After they returned to America, they sent money to the parish to rebuild the tomb. (input by Santhosh Antony in 2020)

28, Loudiston city

Edinburgh

1925, February 12

Respected friend,

I am letting you know that this is my heartfelt condolences on the death of your brother. It is a matter of grave importance that I need you to be at peace and make you aware that Mr.Mathew died receiving all the proper sacraments that a Catholic should before he died. While Mr.Mathew was in the Royal Hospital I regularly used to visit him. When I gave him the holy Eucharist on the occasion of Christmas, with how much worthy devotion and deference Mathew received it. Before Mathew's affliction suddenly became serious, I visited him as usual on February 1st, Sunday. Then we had a heartfelt talk. As usual with eagerness he asked me to pray in the presence of God. He also said that he felt a little better too. The next Tuesday, on February 3rd, he suddenly fell seriously ill. I went and heard Mathew's confession and gave him the necessary penance. I gave him his last sacraments and consecration; and the Holy Father’s last blessings and prayers. Not much after this Mathew lost consciousness. Afterwards there was no outer signs of him regaining consciousness. Mathew lay like this in a coma for five more days. On Sunday at 7.30pm he breathed his last. All these five days me and the others chanted [UTHA-MA MANA-STHAAPA JAPAM] prayers of repentance into his ears and frequently gave release from internal sins.

Early in the morning on Wednesday, the dead body was taken to the Sacred Heart Church. First I donned the sacred vestments and offered a mass. The dead body was kept in the church till evening to pay the last respects. As dusk was falling, the dead body was taken to Vernal Hills Catholic Cemetery with all the pomp and ceremony. In this funeral procession many Englishmen and Indians and important college students took part. The funeral was remarkable.

Your brother was exceptionally sweet natured and was an excellent person with the ability to attract people. His colleagues, Mr.Mathew's many friends and the nuns who treated him, not only them, even the patients in the hospital were cast under his spell. As a sign of their respect, they adorned Mathew's coffin with expensive flowers, garlands and bouquets. Among these one of them was on behalf of the Malayalis and another was on behalf of the patients of the hospital. [Here for the funeral occasion even an ordinary bouquet costs one pound at least]. On the bouquet presented by the patients of the hospital, it was decoratively pictured that it was a memorial from the patients to honour him.

From the time he came to Edinburgh I have felt a very loving affection for Mathew. Before and after he fell ill we have talked long on religious matters several times. Our sacred religious doctrines were instilled in Mr.Mathew in a cogent, logical and proper manner and in this I have felt a boundless wonder. The capacity of Mathew to understand matters fully and his sharp intellect deserved much praise. Mathew's sincerity, faithfulness and spirituality were much higher than all this.

During the period when Mr.Mathew was lying ill, he had spoken to me several times about matters of death. In the world it is most important to attain eternal salvation and if it is the will of the Lord that he should depart from this world because of this illness, he is prepared to accept the will of God. And it is for the supreme compassionate Lord to decide the time and the place. All these Mr.Mathew had told me. But it was not the voice of despair and hesitation of a person facing imminent death. Against my nature let me repeat it again, the depth of knowledge Mr.Mathew exhibited of our religious doctrines was an absolutely astonishing experience for me. It will only be meaningful if I said that Mr.Mathew's attitude towards religious subjects were not just the noblest Catholic visions but suitable to virtuous and holy persons.

I will illustrate two incidents to show how much he lived deserving respect even after Mr.Mathew became bedridden with illness. The nurses inured to taking care of many patients, their own countrymen of differing social positions were never lazy or passive in their caring for Mathew. Those who took care of Mathew did it not only out of a sense of their normal duty, but also because they were enchanted by his sweet nature and they treated him like their own brother. Another occurrence was that, in that busy hospital even patients who have left after recovering from their illness have come back in droves enquiring after Mathew's welfare till the last. Don't all these illustrate that which is noble and attractive in Mathew's character? It is my merciful desire to convey my heartfelt and honest condolences to the sorrowful relatives of Mr.Mathew.

Yours

Francis Dohnohay

[Signature]