Gerasim Alekseevich Kolpakovsky, born on March 4, 1819, was an outstanding Russian general who played a significant role in the conquest of Central Asia. He began his military career as a private and, after a decade, became a non-commissioned officer. He later attained the ranks of colonel in 1860, major general in 1862, and lieutenant general in 1871. For his merits, he was awarded the Orders of Saint Anna, Saint Vladimir, Saint George, the White Eagle, and Saint Alexander Nevsky.

In 1865, Kolpakovsky was appointed military governor of the Semipalatinsk region, and from 1867, the Semirechye region, with the administrative center in the city of Verny. He envisioned Verny as a future trade and industrial center and invited scientists and specialists to develop it. In 1867, the city consisted of small buildings, and Kolpakovsky began active construction, creating a committee for the city's organization and developing a construction project with architect P. M. Zenkov.

Construction progressed quickly, and soon the city transformed. However, on May 28, 1887, Verny was devastated by an earthquake that destroyed 1,799 buildings. Kolpakovsky organized aid for the victims and the city's restoration. He actively promoted agriculture, including horticulture and beekeeping, and mandated residents to plant trees, which made the city green.

Kolpakovsky supported science by sending plant seeds to Charles Darwin and organizing archaeological expeditions. In 1875, he became the trustee of the Turkestan Educational District, establishing schools and gymnasiums for Kazakh children and sending talented students to study in major Russian cities.

He also focused on infrastructure development, including the construction of railways and the establishment of Cossack settlements. In 1881, Kolpakovsky became the Steppe Governor and commander of the troops of the Omsk Military District, and in 1889, a member of the Military Council of the Russian Empire.

Kolpakovsky died on April 23, 1896, at the age of 77 and was buried in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg. He left a significant legacy as the founder of the city of Verny and a person who inspired those around him to develop and create.