Noble family Boutorovs in the XIX century (materials of genealogical research)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the history of the Boutorovs in the XIX early XX century. The paper examines the basis for granting them the nobility, reconstructs the family tree, and traces the social and economic aspects of family history (education, service, land ownership). The research methodology is based on historical-genetic and historical-comparative methods that allow conducting genealogical research, tracing changes in the social and economic status of the family, and understanding how typical they were for the Russian nobility. The sources of the research were archival and published ego-documents of the Boutorovs, act materials and heraldic documents preserved in the Syzran branch of the CGASO and the RGIA. The authors conclude that the history of the Boutorovs was typical of the noble families that grew out of the official environment. Not having a large income, the Boutorovs were twice able to acquire an estate: the first was purchased, the other was given as a dowry. Both estates were economically profitable when the owners were actively engaged in them, and successfully adapted to the new economic conditions. Atypical for the capitals noble families was the departure of the Boutorovs to the province to an estate that was previously part of the efficient farms in the Middle Volga region. However, this did not lead to the loss of horizontal ties with influential court circles, but rather strengthened them, thanks to successful studies in prestigious educational institutions of the younger generation. The Boutorovs was in relationship with famous noble families such as Davydovs, Tatischevs, Khomyakovs, Bestuzhevs, Polivanovs; they was well received in the best capital living rooms, and also was presented to the court. The expansion of knowledge about this noble family makes it possible to clarify both social and economic aspects of the nobility of the late Russian Empire.