Alexey Obolensky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexey Vasilyevich Obolensky
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| Алексей Васильевич Оболенский | |
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| Yaroslavl Governor | |
| In office January 8, 1861 – May 9, 1861 |
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| Preceded by | Alexey Buturlin |
| Succeeded by | Ivan Unkovsky |
| Moscow Governor | |
| In office 1861–1866 |
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| Preceded by | Fyodor Kornilov |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Sivers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 4, 1819 |
| Died | December 13, 1884 (aged 65) Saint Petersburg |
| Spouse | Zoya Sumarokova |
| Children | Zoya Obolenskaya |
| Parents |
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| Education | Physics and Mathematics Department of the Faculty of Philosophy of the Imperial Moscow University |
| Awards | Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky Order of the White Eagle Order of Saint Vladimir Order of Saint Anna |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Russian Empire |
| Years of service | 1838 |
| Rank | General of Artillery |
| Battles/wars | Hungarian Revolution of 1848 Crimean War |
Prince Alexey Vasilyevich Obolensky (1819–1884) was an important Russian general and government official. He served as the head of the Moscow Governorate from 1861 to 1866. He was a member of the well-known princely Obolensky family.
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Life of Alexey Obolensky
Prince Alexey Obolensky was born on June 4, 1819. His father was Major General Vasily Obolensky. His mother was Ekaterina Musina–Pushkina.
Early Education and Military Career
Alexey received an excellent education at home. He also studied at the Physics and Mathematics Department of Moscow University. In 1838, he passed the officer's exam. He joined the military as a Fireworker in the Life Guards.
Two years later, he became a Warrant Officer. He was transferred to the 2nd Battery. Three years after that, he moved to the Life Guards Horse Artillery. He quickly rose through the ranks. By 1846, he was a lieutenant.
Serving Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich
In 1847, Prince Alexey became an Adjutant. He worked for Sumarokov, the Head of the Guards Artillery. In 1848, he became an adjutant to Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich. The Grand Duke was the commander of the guards and grenadier corps.
In 1849, Alexey was promoted to Captain. He took part in the Hungarian Campaign with the Grand Duke. After the Grand Duke's death, Alexey accompanied his body to Saint Petersburg.
Important Assignments and War Service
Prince Obolensky received the Order of Saint Anna, 3rd Degree. This was for doing his duties very well. In 1852, he became commander of a battery. He was promoted to Colonel in July of that year.
He often carried out special assignments. For example, he investigated a fire in Samara in 1850. He also helped distribute money to the people affected. He supervised military recruitment in several provinces.
Role in the Crimean War
When the Crimean War began, Prince Obolensky was sent to Novocherkassk. His job was to oversee the creation of new Don Batteries. Later, he was sent to Sevastopol to help reinforce the troops.
He fought in the battle of September 8, 1854. He also took part in the Battle on the Black River. His battery's actions helped achieve success there. For this, he received the Order of Saint Vladimir, 4th Degree.
He returned to Sevastopol and helped defend the city. This was during the Defense of Sevastopol. For his bravery, he was given a Golden Saber. It had the inscription "For Courage."
Later Career and Public Service
In 1858, Prince Obolensky joined a commission in Moscow. This group looked into problems with allowances for soldiers. In 1859, he investigated why Orthodox churches were being built slowly. This was in the Vitebsk Governorate.
On April 17, 1860, he became a Major General. He was appointed to the Retinue of His Imperial Majesty. In 1861, he became the acting Governor of the Yaroslavl Governorate. Soon after, he became the Governor of the Moscow Governorate.
Governor of Moscow
As governor in Yaroslavl and Moscow, he worked hard. He helped carry out the Peasant Reform. This reform freed serfs in Russia. He also served as vice-chairman of the Committee on Prisons. In 1866, he stepped down as Moscow Governor.
Senator and Final Years
In 1867, he was promoted to Lieutenant General. He was also appointed a senator. He worked in the 1st Branch of the 5th Department of the Governing Senate. He received more awards, including the Order of Saint Vladimir of the 2nd Degree.
He also received the orders of the White Eagle and Saint Alexander Nevsky. In 1875 and 1878, he was elected an honorary magistrate. In 1881, he joined the Department of Heraldry. On May 15, 1883, he became a General of Artillery.
Character and Legacy
Prince Alexey Obolensky was known for his kindness and modesty. In Saint Petersburg, he ran a free canteen for 200 poor people. He paid for it himself. He also supported the first private girls' gymnasium. This school was founded by his relative, Princess Alexandra Obolenskaya.
Prince Alexey Obolensky passed away suddenly in Saint Petersburg. He died from heart failure on December 13, 1884.
Family Life
Prince Alexey Obolensky was married to Countess Zoya Sumarokova (1828–1897). She was the daughter of General Sergei Sumarokov.
They had five children:
- Ekaterina (1850–1929), who later married Alexander Mordvinov. After he passed away, she married the famous doctor Sergey Botkin.
- Sergei (1851–1878), a lieutenant in the Cavalier Guard Regiment. He worked at the Russian embassy in Rome.
- Maria (1854–1873), who was admired by the artist Vasily Polenov. She sadly passed away from measles complicated by pneumonia.
- Alexey (1856–1910), who married Elena Diterikhs.
- Zoya (1858–1897), who married Nikolai Rodzianko.
Alexey's brother, Andrei Obolensky, was married to Alexandra Dyakova. She founded the gymnasium that Alexey supported. Their son was Vladimir Obolensky, a notable public figure.
Alexey's sister, Ekaterina Vasilievna (1820–1871), was married to Alexander Potapov. He was the chief of the gendarmes.
Sources
- Evgeny Yastrebtsov. Obolensky, Alexey Vasilyevich // Russian Biographical Dictionary: in 25 Volumes – Saint Petersburg – Moscow, 1896–1918
