Born in 1809 in Besangon to a poor brewer family. Worked as printer's foreman to support his education. Received scholarship from Académie de Besangon at age 29. Worked in Lyons shipping firm before moving to Paris
Born in Moscow in 1842 as aristocratic prince's son. Received exclusive education at Corps of Pages military academy. Became army officer in Siberia, later joined revolutionary group. Escaped prison and fled to western Europe, lived in London until 1917