The Olonets branch of the Chebaevsky dynasty of mining officers

This article examines the history of the Olonets branch of the Chebaevsky dynasty, who were prominent figures in the Russian mining industry during the XIX century. The topic is relevant due to the growing interest in the formation and development of industry in the Russian Empire. The study’s methodological novelty lies in employing the biographical method to analyze the social group of Russian mining officers by examining the history of one family. The article is based on personnel records from the Olonets Mining Administration archive kept at the National Archives of the Republic of Karelia and files from the Empress Catherine II Mining Institute archive kept at the Central State Historical Archives of St. Petersburg. Analyzing these documents has enabled us to examine the professional activities and contributions of the family members to the development of mining industry. Particular attention is paid to Prokopiy Chebaevsky, focusing on his work as a pedagogue at the Mining Cadet Corps, his managerial activities at the Olonets plants, and the role of his sons who continued the family tradition of serving in the mining department. The study demonstrates how state policy in the Russian Empire’s mining sector contributed to the formation of professional dynasties by providing them with privileges, access to education, and career opportunities. This article makes a valuable contribution to the study of regional history, social processes, and professional communities in prerevolutionary Russia.