M. Oustimovitch

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-01-24 Diary Coverage: Up to July 1881

M. Oustimovitch is the Marshal of Nobility (maréchal de la noblesse) for the entire Poltava Governorate, a position significantly higher than Marie's father's role as marshal for just one district.

Key Diary References:

• July 9, 1881: "M. Oustimovitch, maréchal de la noblesse du gouvernement de Poltava" joins the family during their visit to Poltava
• Marie describes him as "un prétentieux imbécile rimeur prudhommesque et grotesque qui passe pour grand esprit et bel homme"
• Marie had recently mocked his ridiculous verses in front of others
• He makes an inappropriate remark to Marie's father about her
• Marie calls him "ce soliveau insolent" and vows to help overturn him in two years

Context:

• Marshal of Nobility for Poltava Governorate (governs 13-15 districts)
• Marie's father is marshal for only one district
• Writes poetry that Marie finds pretentious and ridiculous
• From excellent family, wealthy, well married
• Elected to position "par surprise" - people voted quickly to get it over with
• Makes inappropriate social remarks

Research Notes:

• Full first name and patronymic need research
• Position of gubernatorial marshal was important administrative role in Imperial Russia
• Marie's political ambitions include helping to unseat him
• His poetry and literary pretensions were subject of Marie's mockery