I was just given my Syrian grandfather's "letter of intent" to become an American citizen, dated  1934.The birthplace listed is "Fernzee" ,Syrai, and I wonder if it was misunderstood and is Fairouzeh, as he was married in Homs in1903.  My Dad would never tell me our original last name and I wonder if it might be "Grair", as I saw on wikipedia that is a common last name from that town. Can anyone shed some light? Our family did live in Detroit  from the30's till1963. Thanks so much. Jeannine Grey

Sam and the other helpful folk
Thank you so much for your interest and help
I will have to track down cousins back in Canada who would have more names for me. MY Dad would never tell me much - he didn't have the best relationship with his father so things are sketchy. The only sibling left  from his family has dementia, so how to know what's accurate According to the Declaration of Intent papers
Abraham "Grey"- born June 15, 1877,  and was from "Fernzee". Married Sylvia ( no last name) in Homs  in Nov of 1903.
My Dad said she was an orphan and Abraham was 12 yrs older. - also that his dad was purported to be the son of a village leader and 'well off'- at least what 'well off' was considered back then
They spent time in Montreal and Cincinnati before moving to Detroit in 1905. Offspring include
Anna, Samuel, Moses, Tony, Sadie, George( My dad), and Mary.  The Detroit cousins ( from Ann) last name is Teisan. The rest are in Florida - that part of the family I know and  grew up with.  I have one cousin, Albert Grey, ( son of Moses) In L.A.... perhaps in his mid  to late 30's, who probably doesn't even know he has all this family
Anyone in the Detroit area "of a certain age" may remember the Dutch Maid delivery trucks- part of the Saunders Co.that ran in the late 50's to early 60's. That was my dad, George, who started Dutch Maid and was president for that brief time it was in operation
Many thanks to all who are helping me find some roots
I think it's a sad thing that many 1st generation children do- they want to be Americanized so bad they don't tell their kids about their history
Peace to all!
Jeannine Grey
Ilwaco, Washington