None of the Tyutchevs occupied a prominent place in Russian history in any sphere of activity. On the contrary, in the middle of the 18th century, according to Dobrynin”s notes, the Tyutchevs from Bryansk were famous only for their dissoluteness and self-will, reaching the point of frenzy. However, the father of Fyodor Ivanovich, Ivan Nikolaevich, not only did not inherit these family properties, but, on the contrary, was distinguished by extraordinary complacency, gentleness, rare purity of morals and enjoyed universal respect. After completing his education in St. Petersburg, in the Greek Corps, established by Catherine to commemorate the birth of Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich and influenced by the “Greek Project”, Ivan Nikolaevich rose to the rank of lieutenant in the guard and at the age of 22 he married Ekaterina Lvovna Tolstaya, who was brought up like a daughter, by her own aunt, Countess Osterman.

A reasonable man, with a calm, sane view of things, he did not however have a bright mind or any talents. Nevertheless, there was no narrowness in his character, and he was always ready to recognize and respect the rights of someone else more gifted.