Revolutionary Stefan Kisov

Stefan Ivanov Kisov was born on 12 December 1849 in Bolgrad, Bessarabia, into a family of Bulgarian settlers from Elena. In 1876 he graduated from the Infantry Military School in Odesa and volunteered for the Serbian-Turkish War of that year. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 he commanded a company in the Third Volunteer Battalion and was decorated for his exploits.

During the Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885 he commanded the Second Struma Infantry Regiment and the Breznik Detachment. He took part in a number of battles, including those at Breznik and Pirot, where he distinguished himself through skilful command and personal bravery, for which he received the Order for Bravery, Fourth Class.

In 1888 he was relieved of command of the 6th Infantry Brigade and appointed commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade. Despite his successful military career, he was dismissed from the army because of his opposition to the anti-Russian policy pursued during the Regency of 1886–1887.