Vladimir Zubov

Graf Vladimir Zubov (, , ; 1862–1933) was a liberal nobleman from the Russian Zubov family who supported the Lithuanian National Revival.

Educated in chemistry and veterinary at the universities of Saint Petersburg and Halle-Wittenberg, Zubov implemented innovative agricultural methods in the large estates that he inherited around Šiauliai. He transformed Ginkūnai Manor into a modern farm operation and was the first to import Danish Red cows. He supported socialist and social democratic ideas and often hosted meetings of various activists. During one such gatherings in Zubov's Dabikinė Manor, Povilas Višinskis and others founded the Lithuanian Democratic Party in 1902. Zubov even sheltered escaped Vincas Kapsukas from the Tsarist police in 1914. He also founded and financed six primary schools for manor workers and other villagers. Despite the Lithuanian press ban, these schools taught the Lithuanian language. He funded a public library and gifted Zubovai Palace to teacher's seminary in Šiauliai.

Biography Early life and education

After the Third Partition of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, Platon Zubov, one of the favorites of Empress Catherine the Great, was gifted former lands of the Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1795. This included (approximately of land with 18,000 residents) which was part of the lands of the Grand Duke of Lithuania. His apartment was a frequent gathering place for various activists. According to memoirs of Jonas Šliūpas, up to 40 students would gather in the apartment.