AFR-SUDAN-L Archives

From: "Nobie" <>
Subject: DEMETRI CAROLUMBUS PETMEZAKI
Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2006 23:28:34 +0800

Subject: DEMETRI CAROLUMBUS PETMEZAKI

DEMETRI CAROLUMBUS PETMEZAKI, was born in October 1895 in Ephesus, Asia
Minor. In earlier years Demetri's father had been the Mayor of Ephesus and
was also a Consul, a Diplomat for Greece.

Demetri had two brothers; Kosti (Constantine) who was two years older than
Demetri and Spiro who was two years younger. No other family names are
known.

Demetri made his home in several countries arriving in Egypt at 17 & on
through to the Sudan.

In 1912, first company DEM PETMEZAKI & CO in Omdurman The Sudan.

He next set up the SUDAN AMERICAN PRODUCE COMPANY INC. SAPCO. (We have
been told there is an advert for SAPCO in a 1931 Sudan Chamber of Commerce
monthly report.)

In 1920, Demetri returned to Ephesus to the rescue of his mother and two
brothers, it would appear that was perhaps the last time that he was in Asia
Minor (Turkey)

In 1923 he took on a partner; a Swede by the name of Alfred Joenssen.
Together Demetri & Alfred set up SAPCO New York.

By 1925, SAPCO London was formed.

In 1928, he married Florence Gaisford in the registry office in Hackney,
London on 12 July.

Around 1934, in England Demetri bought a home called 'Allways' in Medway
Crescent, Leigh-on-Sea in Essex. This was staffed with one maid by the name
of Dorothy.

He also owned hundreds of acres of coffee plantations in Ethiopia.

In 1938 Demetri bought a factory in Kano, Nigeria which he & his brother
Kosti set up The African General Trading Company.

By 1939 Demetri had gone to Abeche in Chad to set up his newest company
'General Stores'.

In 1942 Alfred Joenssen & Demetri, who had continued to communicate through
the years, now planned another venture; El Obeid Anglo Egyptian in the
Sudan.

Demetri had dear friends in Khartoum Mr. & Mrs Cowell & their daughter
Millie who later married Bill Frost.

From there the trail grows cold. His children, grandchildren &
great-grandchildren have for years longed for a conclusion to this amazing
man's story.

Denis, the only son of Demetri was born in 1931, he last saw his father in
1936. The greatest wish for his only son, (now in his 70's) is to view his
father's gravesite. Demetri's son Denis, was born in Khartoum & was
christened in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral there. Mr. & Mrs. Cowell were
Denis's godparents.

One last note, it would seem that Demetri & the head of the Greek community
in Khartoum were well acquainted with one another, unfortunately we are
unable to supply a name.

Any info or advice would be so very much appreciated.

Sincere thanks,

NL Spice.

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• DEMETRI CAROLUMBUS PETMEZAKI by "Nobie" <>