Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky

Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky — a Russian prince, a prominent political and military figure, and a national hero of the Time of Troubles. He was born on November 1, 1578 into a noble family. At his baptism he was named Kozma in honor of Saint Cosmas, but his relatives called him Dmitry. Pozharsky entered court service under Tsar Boris Godunov. At twenty he received the rank of stryapchy with the robe, but he was repeatedly disgraced until 1602. Nevertheless, Pozharsky continued to serve under False Dmitry I and Vasily IV Shuisky, demonstrating his loyalty to the state.

From 1608 to 1610 Pozharsky commanded a regiment, fighting against supporters of False Dmitry II. In 1611 he took part in the First People's Militia and was wounded during the uprising against the Polish–Lithuanian invaders in Moscow on March 19–20. In October of the same year, together with Kuzma Minin, he led the Second People's Militia, which played a decisive role in the country's liberation. In early 1613 Pozharsky was one of the leaders of the Zemsky Sobor (Assembly of the Land), where he exerted significant influence on the election of Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov to the throne. He oversaw the collection of taxes to replenish the treasury and carried out important diplomatic missions, in particular taking part in negotiations to conclude the Treaty of Stolbovo with Sweden. Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky died on April 20, 1642 in Moscow.