Biron

Biron, ERNEST JOHN DE, Duke of Courland, born in 1690, was the son of a landed proprietor in Courland, of the name of Bühren. His person and intellect gained him the favour of Anna Ivanovna, niece of Peter the Great, and, when she ascended the throne of Russia in 1730, Biron was loaded with honour. He assumed the name and arms of the French dukes De Biron, and soon swayed all Russia through his royal mistress. Proud and despotic by nature, he hated every one who stood in the way of his ambition. More than a thousand persons were executed by his orders, and a far greater number sent into banishment: still by the strength of his character he introduced vigour and power into every branch of the public administration. On the death of the empress (28th October 1740), Biron assumed the regency, and acted with great prudence and moderation. A secret conspiracy was, however, soon formed against him, and three weeks after, he was arrested, and, along with his family, conveyed to Siberia. On Elizabeth's accession in the following year, he was recalled, and spent the remainder of his life in retirement. He died in 1772.