Staroselsky Dmitry

Staroselsky Dmitry (1832-84), Lieutenant-General of Polish origin. He was born in Chernigov province, Russia. In 1848 he graduated from the military school in Poltava. In 1857, after his service in various military regiments, D. Staroselsky was promoted to the rank of Captain, enlisted in the regiment of Georgian grenadiers and assigned to the position of the Aide of Baron Wrangler, Governor-General of Kutaisi. It proved to be the turning point in D. Staroselsky’s civil administrative carrier, which linked him to the Caucasus and Caucasian Highlanders. In 1877 he arrived in Tbilisi. In 1878 D. Staroselsky was appointed to the post of the Head of Viceroy’s chief directorate in Transcaucasia. He was filling that position till his death.

D.Staroselsky was Ilia Chavchavadze’s brother-in-law. He used to mix in high society; he was on friendly terms with Yakob Gogebashvili and Akaki Tsereteli. He held the same views as Ilia Chavchavadze: he helped him in founding the Society of Literacy Promotion and contributed to the opening of the school of economy. He took care of wel- fare and spiritual education of population. Georgian people highly appriciated D. Staroselsky’s noble efforts.

Nino Staroselskaya, daughter of Dmitry and Ekaterine, was married to Joseph Shalikashvili. Well-known American generals – Otar and John-Malkhaz Shalikashvilis were childeren of their son – Dmitry. Dmitry Staroselsky died in Tbilisi. His death brought Akaki Tsereteli to say: ‘It is significant that we mourn the person of different nationality, who spoke different language, as our brother and kin’.