Alexander Nikolaevich Manvelov

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Alexander Nikolaevich Manvelov was a Russian general and a patron of several civilian institutions. He was born on April 6, 1824, into the Georgian noble family Manvelishvili from Guria, which had served Russia since 1738. He joined the army in 1841 as a non-commissioned officer.

In 1864 he became commander of the Chuguyevsky Lancer regiment and was promoted to major general in 1866. From 1869 to 1871 he led the Leib Guard horse regiments. From 1875 to 1885 he commanded the 8th Cavalry Division and was promoted to lieutenant general in 1876.

During the Russo-Turkish War he led his division as the vanguard of the 12th Army Corps, marching toward the Danube via Iași and Bucharest and establishing a 60-kilometer line along the river. His troops captured many Ottoman ferries, which were later used by the Russians to cross the Danube. He also took part in operations in Bulgaria and in Asia Minor.

For bravery he received the Gold Sword in 1879. In 1885 he was promoted to General of the Cavalry, one of the highest ranks, and he retired from front-line command. He served as honorary patron of the Office of the Institutions of Empress Maria from August 1, 1887, and was an Active Privy Councillor. He also supported the Saint Petersburg ophthalmic clinic and the Smolny Institute.

Manvelov died on April 2, 1906, in Saint Petersburg. During his career he received many honors, including the Orders of Saint Vladimir, Saint Anna, Saint Stanislaus, Saint Alexander Nevsky, the White Eagle, and Philip the Magnanimous.