Messages

1

Russian Noble Families / Re: Lopukhin-Demidov

« on: February 27, 2016, 04:04:19 AM »

Hi,

I am wondering if the Prince of San Donato line truly has expired.  There may be a ray of hope in the form of the Dournoff family (spelling?).   I have the document granting the Tuscan title of Prince of San Donato to Anatole N. Demidoff on his marriage to Princess Mathilde Bonaparte in Florence dating to the 1840's.  There is a reference for the title, Prince of San Donato, to also transmit down the family of the Dournoffs (spelling?).   Anatole's father, Nicholas Demidoff, had a sister, Maria, that married Peter Dournoff so this family also are cited as legitmate heirs to the title of Prince of San Donato.    If this is of interest to you then I am fine to return with more accurate detail, references, and spelling after I retrieve the historical records.

Kind regards, Alexandre

2

Research Russian Roots / Re: Hereditary Commanders in Europe

« on: November 25, 2012, 09:34:15 AM »

Dear Vera,

It has been a long time since we communicated!   I wanted to let you know that the Order of St John of Jerusalem - Knights of Malta is growing and actively involved in Charity work in support of the disadvantaged in Russia.   We supported a classical music concert held in Paris at the end of May that raised tens of thousands of Euros towards the St Magdalene Hospital in Petersburg.  We are now working with the St Gregory's Foundation to support a summer camp for 11 young adults from dysfunctional families to attend a 'work' summer camp.  The goal is have the young adults perceive the benefits of a work ethic.  As you can appreciate, highly challenging but very much worthwhile.

I will send you our latest newsletter but do please confirm your email address since the one in hand may be out of date.

Kind regards
Alexandre Tissot Demidoff

3

Books about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: Upcoming Books in 2012

« on: December 05, 2011, 01:46:06 AM »

I wanted to advise that the English Charity, 'The British Association' supported the latest publication efforts of the history writer, Virgina Rounding.    I met Virgina during the time of the publication of 'Grandes Horizontales'.   It happens that my ancestral grandfather is mentioned, due to his involvement in Paris with the English born courtesan, Cora Pearl, while my ancestral uncle was cited for his involvement in Paris with the courtesan, Marie Duplessis.    I found this very interesting and the book is tastefully written.  However, when I presented this interesting information to my father he reacted by banning the book from the nursing home library after sharing some choice words with me.   
 
Virginia's new book is on the tragic romance between Nicholas II and Alexandra.   The book contains new insight based on recent archival findings.   It publishes in mid-February 2012 in England.   I donated to Virginia an unpublished photo of Nicholas II and the British Association 'Charity' provided support for some of the photos located.   
 
A book reading and signing event is now organised for Friday evening, 9 March 2012 at the Pushkin House located in Bloomsbury, London.   Complimentary wine, refreshments and Russian themed snacks will be provided.
 
Pushkin House
5A Bloomsbury Square
London WC1A 2TA

Do please attend if your travels find you in London that evening.

4

Russian Noble Families / Re: Demidov family

« on: January 10, 2011, 06:49:04 AM »

Hi,  the painting of Princess Maria Abamalek Lazarev recently appeared at the initial exhibition held at Hermitage Amsterdam museum.   The exhibition now ended so I assume that the painting is now back at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.   Let me know if this helps.

5

Research Russian Roots / Hereditary Commanders in Europe

« on: November 24, 2004, 08:37:18 AM »

Dear Vera Narishkin,

Yes, as a descendant of one of the original Hereditary Commanders of 1798, we would be delighted for you and your family join as members of the resurrected Order of Paris.  

I am a Demidoff, but from the San Donato line of Tuscany.  The Nikita Demidoff of Switzerland who proposed marriage to you when you were only 13 must be a distant relative.   With hindsight I assume that you are pleased to have gained a childhood by refusing the proposal at such a tender young age.  

For the benefit of the others we should take the process off line.  Could I ask you to contact me on my personal email system: alextissot@aol.com

I will then update you on where we are with the process of resurrecting the Paris Order, pending projects, Members of the Board, etc.
Many thanks.

Best regards,
Alexandre

6

Russian Noble Families / Re: Meshchersk(aya)y Family

« on: October 28, 2004, 08:52:23 AM »

I had the chance to visit Pce. Yevgeny Meschersky at his family estate of Petroskoye-Alabino a few years ago.  He was in the midst of heavy restoration of work on the palatial estate.  He was kind enough to take time away from the hard work to invite me and my colleagues inside where he showed us his family tree, photos, books and official documents connected with the Princely title.  

In fact, we are distantly related since one of his relations, Princess Maria Elimovna Mestchersky was the first wife of Paul Demidoff, an ancestral grandfather.  Unfortunately, she died given birth to their son, Elime in 1868.  Pce. Y. Meschersky was familiar with this history.  In fact, the palatial estate was purchased from Anatole N. Demidoff, Paul's uncle, in the mid-19th Century.  I hope to visit Pce Yevgeny on my next trip to Moscow to see how he is progressing with his immense construction project.

7

Research Russian Roots / Hereditary Commanders in Europe

« on: October 23, 2004, 08:21:16 AM »

I am involved in resurrecting the charitable Order of St. John of Jerusalem in Paris.  The original Paris Order was launched in 1928 by twelve of the thirteen surviving Hereditary Commanders of the Russian Grand Priory that had fled Bolshevik Russia for Paris.

The original Hereditary Commanders in 1799 numbered twenty and served under Paul I.  One of these Hereditary Commanders was Paul N. Demidoff, my ancestral grandfather, which expains my interest and connection with the Order.

Unfortunately, the original Paris Order withered away in the 1970's due to lack of interest from the sons and daughters of the founding members of the Paris Order.  The Order vanished with its original members.

We are now attempting to make contact with the living male and female descendants to invite them to become Members.  Since this is Hereditary title, it can pass to the female line in the event that the male line is extinguished.  

Could I ask for your support in placing me in contact with direct descendant of any of the following names:

Leon Naryshkine, Nicolas or Boris Youssoupoff, Nicolas Cheremeteff, Alexandre or Paul Stroganoff, Gregoire Samoiloff, Alexandre Beloselsky, Basile Dolgorouky, Leon Davidoff, Ivan Boratinsky, Basile Troubetzkoy, Ivan Worontzoff, Constantin Maruzzi, Pierre Toufiakin, Mathew Olsoufieff, Alexandre Gerbetzoff, and Porphyre Boutourlin.

Many thanks for any support extended as well as any comments.