Alexander Bodisko

Alexander de Bodisco (sometimes Alexander Bodisco ) (October 30, 1786 – January 23, 1854) was the Russian ambassador to the United States from 1837 to his death in 1854. In 1840, at the age of 53, he married the 16-year old Harriet Beall Williams, which was a popular subject of gossip in Washington, D.C., at the time.

Early life Alexander de Bodisco was born on October 30, 1786, in Moscow, Russia. He was born as a Wallachian noble.

Career His career started in the Bureau of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He was succeeded by Eduard de Stoeckl.

Personal life

de Bodisco married Harriet Beall Williams, of Washington, D.C., on April 9, 1840. She was descended from two well known families in Georgetown, the Brookes and the Bealls. She was 16 years old and he was 53 years old at the time of their marriage. The age difference caused considerable gossip in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. The wedding was at St. John's Episcopal Church and was attended by famous people of the time, including U.S. President Martin Van Buren, future U.S. President James Buchanan, Henry Clay and Jessie Benton Frémont. They had seven children. He also owned another house at 3142 P Street.

He died on January 23, 1854, at his house in Georgetown.