Of German and military origin, Moritz Haucke fought in Napoleon's army in Austria, Italy, Germany and the Peninsular War. However, he then switched sides to fight for the Russians. Recognising his 
abilities, Tsar Nicholas both appointed him Minister of War and made him a Count. 

In the uprising of 1830 led by revoluntionary army cadets, the targets were Grand Duke Constantine, Poland's Governor-General, and the Minister of War, Count Moritz von Haucke. While saving the Grand Duke, Count von Haucke was cut to pieces by sabres before the eyes of his wife and three children. His wife died of shock shortly afterwards, at which their children were made wards of the Emperor. 
 

Source: Leo van de Pas