Ekaterinburg Merchant Vasily Krivtsov

Abstract

The article is devoted to the business and social activities of Vasily Vasilievich Krivtsov, a Ekaterinburg merchant of the 2nd guild, who came from the class of serf peasants. It provides information on the early stage of life of Krivtsov, who was a native of Vyazniki uyezd, Vladimir province, and belonged to the community of so-called misfits — merchants engaged in peddling retail trade. The article shows gradual transformation of a small merchant into a big businessman, and describes the development of his commercial activities by expanding the range of traded goods, opening new stores in Ekaterinburg, Perm and other settlements of the Perm province. It also tells about an attempt of Krivtsov to diversify the spheres of his business activities at the expense of participation in the gold industry, which did not bring him any significant dividends. The author explores V. V. Krivtsov’s participation in the city government, including his work as burgomaster and mayor of Ekaterinburg, and his contribution to solving a number of city problems. Examined is the charitable activity of Krivtsov. It was expressed both in the form of personal donations, and cooperation with amateur societies, which were engaged in rendering help to different groups of needy. The author explores the role of Krivtsov in the construction of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross for a children’s shelter and the bridge on the city pond. The article gives a lot of attention to the study of V. V. Krivtsov’s activity as a churchwarden of the Epiphany Cathedral. He served in this position for over 20 years: during this period, he significantly enlarged the cathedral, helped to purchase new expensive church utensils, to renovate the mural painting, and produce new icons and valuable vestments. Working for the good of church, Krivtsov managed to unite the parishioners and persuade them to donate large sums for the needs of the Epiphany Cathedral. Finally, the author reports on the fates of some V. V. Krivtsov’s descendants which mostly turned out to be tragic.

Keywords

• merchant
• mayor
• charity
• churchwarden
• epiphany cathedral