Eva Merthen
Encyclopedia
Eva Merthen known as "The Duchess of Finland
", was a Finnish woman known for her relationship with the General James Keith during the Russian occupation of the Swedish province of Finland during the Russo-Swedish War (1741–1743). She is the subject of the novel "Hertiginnan av Finland" (1850) by Zacharias Topelius
.
Merthen was the daughter of the mayor
of Åbo
, Karl Merthen. She made the aquintance of Keith, who was the leader of the Russian forces who captured Åbo in 1742, at the receptions arranged by the Russian officers and were she made a success as a well educated, charming beauty. During the occupation, Keith was given authority to manage the occupation as he wished, and Merthen is considered to have had an inpact on his rule and by her influence making the policy toward civilians mild during the Russian occupation. Her father died shortly before the peace in 1743, and when Keith left Finland, she followed him. They were never technically married, but she was treated by Keith as well as by society as his official and legal spouse, especially after he joined Prussia
n service. After the death of Keith in 1758, she married in 1760 to the politician Johan David von Reichenbach (1719–1807) in Stralsund
.
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
", was a Finnish woman known for her relationship with the General James Keith during the Russian occupation of the Swedish province of Finland during the Russo-Swedish War (1741–1743). She is the subject of the novel "Hertiginnan av Finland" (1850) by Zacharias Topelius
Zacharias Topelius
Zachris Topelius was a Swedish-speaking Finnish author, journalist, historian, and rector of the University of Helsinki who wrote novels related to Finnish history in Swedish.-Life and career:...
.
Merthen was the daughter of the mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Åbo
Abo
Abo may refer to:* ABO blood group system, a human blood type and blood group system** ABO , enzyme encoded by the ABO gene that determines the ABO blood group of an individual* Abo of Tiflis , an Arab East Orthodox Catholic saint...
, Karl Merthen. She made the aquintance of Keith, who was the leader of the Russian forces who captured Åbo in 1742, at the receptions arranged by the Russian officers and were she made a success as a well educated, charming beauty. During the occupation, Keith was given authority to manage the occupation as he wished, and Merthen is considered to have had an inpact on his rule and by her influence making the policy toward civilians mild during the Russian occupation. Her father died shortly before the peace in 1743, and when Keith left Finland, she followed him. They were never technically married, but she was treated by Keith as well as by society as his official and legal spouse, especially after he joined Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
n service. After the death of Keith in 1758, she married in 1760 to the politician Johan David von Reichenbach (1719–1807) in Stralsund
Stralsund
- Main sights :* The Brick Gothic historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.* The heart of the old town is the Old Market Square , with the Gothic Town Hall . Behind the town hall stands the imposing Nikolaikirche , built in 1270-1360...
.