Nikolai Mikhailovich Baranov (disambiguation)(1837 – 1897) was the "electric" Governor of Nizhny Novgorod.
Among the nineteenth-century governors of Nizhny Novgorod, the figure of Nikolai Baranov stands out — a man whose vivid biography could have furnished material for an action-packed novel. The future Nizhny Novgorod governor was born in Reval, where his maternal grandfather, Gilbert de Ribaupierre, a French émigré, served; from him the grandson inherited a fiery temperament and the profession of a sailor.
The young man was sent to the Naval Cadet Corps, and upon graduating in 1854 he was enrolled in the navy. The young officer dreamed of making his way in the world and proved himself every time the chance arose. At the start of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, already a captain-lieutenant, he took command of a converted passenger ship, the "Vesta." In July 1877 the "Vesta" fought a battle against the formidable Turkish ironclad "Fethi-Bulend." "We are perishing, but not surrendering... full speed ahead!" These words of Baranov's flew around newspapers the world over. The heroic actions of the "Vesta's" crew were acknowledged even by the enemy, and its commander was promoted to captain of the second rank and became a holder of the Order of St. George. It seemed a swift path to admiral's rank awaited him, but amid the worldwide acclaim a scandal broke out, casting doubt on the correctness of Baranov's conduct in that battle. Nikolai Mikhailovich defended his officer's honor, but for the heat he showed in the ensuing press controversy he was nonetheless forced to leave the navy. On the civilian front he also excelled. In 1881 he was appointed governor of Kovno, and after the assassination of Emperor Alexander II he became, with the rank of major general, the mayor (gradonachalnik) of St. Petersburg. Transferred from the capital to provincial Nizhny Novgorod, Baranov feared his career would stall here. On taking office, the governor announced to the Residents of Nizhny Novgorod that he would receive petitioners on business around the clock. A special official was on duty by the telephone in his office, awaiting urgent reports. Nikolai Mikhailovich urged the writing fraternity to report everything they saw without concealment: "Freedom of speech is the demand of the times, and our society thirsts for openness!" One of the governor's most valuable qualities was his ability to transmit his own energy to his subordinates. "The governor was a rough man, but not a stupid one," wrote Maxim Gorky of him. Nevertheless, over his 15 years as governor this "rough" man did a great deal for the prosperity of the Governorate. He was among those who initiated the founding of the art museum and the provincial archival commission. He also tried to revive in Nizhny Novgorod the tradition of celebrating important historical dates. Thus, in March 1889 he organized grand festivities marking the 700th anniversary of the city's founder, Grand Prince Georgy Vsevolodovich. The people of Nizhny Novgorod saw their governor in the roles of judge, diplomat, architect, and even... fire chief! As a capable organizer, Baranov proved himself in cases of social calamity. During frequent fires the governor performed the duties of a fire brigade chief and personally climbed onto rooftops with an axe, and when word came of cholera he took all necessary measures, set up floating hospital-barracks on the Volga, and even gave over the governor's Palace for a cholera hospital. Baranov did much to promote the flourishing of domestic entrepreneurship. During his years as governor the Nizhny Novgorod Fair brought in the greatest revenues, and its fame spread throughout the world. His contemporaries were struck by the governor's honesty: while managing the country's principal marketplace, Nikolai Mikhailovich lived on his salary alone and more than once pawned personal belongings. Even when in straitened circumstances, he lent money to the poor, never demanding repayment. In 1896 the famous All-Russian Industrial and Art Exhibition was held in Nizhny Novgorod. Its arrangement and the order of its proceedings owed much to the talents of Nikolai Mikhailovich. Yet it was precisely the exhibition that caused his removal from the governor's post: the "fiery administrator" fell out with the "money king" of Russia, Savva Morozov, and lost. Baranov died in St. Petersburg on May 16, 1897. People began to speak of the "electric governor" only decades later: by an irony of fate he entered history under the rank in which he had first made a name for himself. "Captain-Lieutenant Baranov" was the name given to one of the destroyers of the Black Sea Fleet.