Nicholas Annenkov

General Nicholas Nikolaievich Annenkov (Николай Николаевич Анненков)(Dec. 1799 in Nizhny Novgorod – Nov. 25, 1865 in St. Petersburg, Russia) was an influential Russian General of the Infantry, Governor-General of Kiev and Bessarabia, and member of the State Privy Council. He was the brother of prominent Russian poet, Varvara Annenkova.

Born into great wealth as a member of the nobility of Nizhny Novgorod, Nicholas Annenkov was the son of Colonel Nicholas Nikanorovich Annenkov (1764–1839). After briefly attending Moscow University, he joined the Army to fight against Napoleon, thereby beginning a military career that would last the rest of his life. By his mid-20s he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to Grand Duke Mikhail Pavlovich of Russia and promoted to Colonel of the Infantry. During the Turkish Campaign of 1828, Annenkov distinguished himself and was awarded the Order of St. Anna.

During the 1831 November Uprising in Poland, Annenkov served as Chief of Staff to General Baron Fabian Gottlieb von Osten-Sacken. During one attack, Annenkov routed an entire enemy division and captured 1,200 combatants. He was awarded the Order of St. George (4th Class) and appointed to Tsar Nicholas I’s personal suite.

Owing to his military successes, in 1844 Nicholas Annenkov was promoted to Adjutant General of the Infantry. On November 3, 1848, he was made a member of the State Council.

In 1854 General Annenkov was appointed Interim Governor-General of New Russia and Bessarabia, a posting that coincided with the Crimean War. His actions during the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855) and the bombardment of Odessa resulted in further decorations: the silver medal and the light-bronze medal.

...
Wikipedia