Kosta Khetagurov had few truly loyal and dedicated friends that were ready to support the poet in any situation. One of them was the teacher Joram (officially ‘Joseph’) Khurumov. He was born in 1850 in the village of Toboza in Zaramag parish. In 1880, the Khurumov family moved to the village of Ardon, where Joram Datuevich lived until the end of his days; and he lived to be 72 years old. Khetagurov often visited Khurumov in Ardon. Despite their difference in age, they were very close and frequently corresponded.
Joram Datuevich had a large family, which he worked very hard to support. Khurumov’s first marriage bore three daughters: Masha, Olga, and the youngest, Elena. The marriage was unhappy: his wife, born Anna Kulaeva from Ardon, died of tuberculosis. Khurumov’s second wife was from the Salamov family, and she bore him five more children.
Joram Datuevich never imagined that Kosta would propose to one of his daughters. The poet’s chosen one was Elena, or, as she was called at home, Lelya, Lyulyu or Lulu. Friends and relatives of the Khurumovs said that she was the real favorite of the family, a meek, feminine, and hard-working girl. After hearing from her father about the poet’s intentions, Elena immediately agreed to the marriage, even though Khetagurov was almost twice her age. Khurumov himself, however, was concerned about the future of his potential family: Lyulyu was ill with tuberculosis, and Kosta’s own the health was significantly undermined by the beginning of the XX century. Joram Dashevich’s fears were confirmed.
The engagement took place, Khetagurov started building a house in Vladikavkaz, invited his brother Niko to the wedding, and wrote optimistic letters: ‘Dear Niko! Starting March 15th, carpentry and woodwork must begin so that the house can be fully ready by July 1st… At the end of finishing the house by July 1st, take at least 10 days off so that you can attend the consecration of the house and my wedding. Your loving brother Kosta’.
But suddenly, the poet fell ill. And Elena, who lived in Taganrog for several years, returned to her homeland in a serious condition. The girl could not be saved; she died in the spring of 1904 in Ardon.
Joram Datuevich had a large family, which he worked very hard to support. Khurumov’s first marriage bore three daughters: Masha, Olga, and the youngest, Elena. The marriage was unhappy: his wife, born Anna Kulaeva from Ardon, died of tuberculosis. Khurumov’s second wife was from the Salamov family, and she bore him five more children.
Joram Datuevich never imagined that Kosta would propose to one of his daughters. The poet’s chosen one was Elena, or, as she was called at home, Lelya, Lyulyu or Lulu. Friends and relatives of the Khurumovs said that she was the real favorite of the family, a meek, feminine, and hard-working girl. After hearing from her father about the poet’s intentions, Elena immediately agreed to the marriage, even though Khetagurov was almost twice her age. Khurumov himself, however, was concerned about the future of his potential family: Lyulyu was ill with tuberculosis, and Kosta’s own the health was significantly undermined by the beginning of the XX century. Joram Dashevich’s fears were confirmed.
The engagement took place, Khetagurov started building a house in Vladikavkaz, invited his brother Niko to the wedding, and wrote optimistic letters: ‘Dear Niko! Starting March 15th, carpentry and woodwork must begin so that the house can be fully ready by July 1st… At the end of finishing the house by July 1st, take at least 10 days off so that you can attend the consecration of the house and my wedding. Your loving brother Kosta’.
But suddenly, the poet fell ill. And Elena, who lived in Taganrog for several years, returned to her homeland in a serious condition. The girl could not be saved; she died in the spring of 1904 in Ardon.
