DIN ISTORIA FAMILIEI CATARGIU: MARELE VORNIC ȘTEFAN (1777−1842)
ON THE HISTORY OF THE CATARGIU FAMILY: THE GREAT VORNIK ȘTEFAN (1777−1842)

Summary/Abstract: Ștefan Catargiu “the elder” (1777−1842) was born in an old and wealthy boyar (aristocratic) family. His political career was long and successful. After 1822, when his brother, Constantin, gained a considerable influence at the court of the Moldavian Prince, Ioan Sandu Sturdza, Catargiu held several important commissions, both juridical and administrative. For several years, he was a member of the Princely Council (“Divanul Domnesc”). His political position “survived” the Russian military occupation (1828−1834). Later on, during the reign of Mihail Sturdza (1834−1842), Ștefan Catargiu became the chief of police of the Moldavian capital town (Iași). Although his fortune suffered because of his many debts and lawsuits, his nine children inherited a certain amount of wealth, sufficient for maintaining their social position. Beside his career and fortune, the biography of Ștefan Catargiu is also significant because it partially explains the ascension of his son, Lascăr Catargiu, later on a serious candidate to the Moldavian throne, prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party.

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