Zakhar Chernyshyov

Zakhar Grigoryevich Chernyshev (172231 August 1784) was a Russian noble, courtier to Catherine the Great, Imperial Russian Army officer, and Imperial Russian politician in the 18th century. After made a courtier to then-Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst in 1744, Chernyshev remained a favorite of the future Russian monarch into the 1770s. An Imperial Russian Army officer during the Seven Years' War, Chernyshev retired in 1764, and would be ultimately promoted to General Field Marshal by Catherine II. At her appointment, Chernyshev led the College of War from 1764 to 1774, served as her governor-general of the Pskov and Mogilev Governorates, and was the mayor of Moscow until his death. Personal life Born a Russian count in 1722, Zakhar Grigoryevich Chernyshev was the older brother of Ivan and Andrei Chernyshev. By 1744, Chernyshev spoke Russian, French, and German. When Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst was betrothed to Peter III of Russia in 1744, Chernyshev was chosen by Empress Elizabeth of Russia as one of three nobles to join the princess' personal court as a gentleman of the chamber. In 1745, Chernyshev's mother begged Empress Elizabeth to send her son away because she feared his infatuation with the Grand Duchess Catherine Alekseievna of Russia; Chernyshev was given a diplomatic assignment. When he returned to Saint Petersburg six years later, Chernyshev began actively courting the then-grand duchess: flattering Catherine, sending love letters, and finding occasion to recreate with the royal.