Baranof Alexander Andrevitch 1747-1819 Governor Of Russian
America. Had been manager of a glass factory at Irkutsk, Siberia; grew
tired of the monotonous though profitable business, and engaged in the
fur trade of eastern Siberia. Appointed governor of the principal
Russian trading company in America, 1790. Nine years later, the
different companies were united, and Baranof moved his headquarters from
Kadiak to New Archangel (Sitka), where he built a strong fort, with a
shipyard, foundry, churches, and hospitals. Even a library and
picture-gallery were afterwards added to this little outpost of Russian
civilization. In 1818 sailed for home, and died at sea on the voyage.