Mikhail Leontevich Magnitskii
Magnitskii, Mikhail Leont’evich
Born 1778; died Oct. 21 (Nov. 1), 1844. Russian political figure.
Magnitskii graduated from Moscow University. In 1810-11 he collaborated with M. M. Speranskii in the preparation of plans for state reforms; after his dismissal from service, he was exiled to Vologda. In domestic exile he changed his views radically, becoming an extreme reactionary. With the assistance of Arakcheev he was first assigned to Voronezh as vice-governor and then was made governor of Simbirsk. From 1819 he served in the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs and Education. Conducting an inspection of the University of Kazan, he proposed that it be closed and even that the university building be “ceremonially destroyed.” In 1826, he was forced to retire for embezzling state funds and exceeding his authority.