Everyone knows about Pushkin's loyal nanny, Arina Rodionovna, but much less is known about the devoted serf Nikita Timofeevich Kozlov. He was with the poet throughout his life, supporting him in the toughest moments. Kozlov was a relative of Arina Rodionovna and the husband of her daughter. When little Pushkin needed a companion, Nikita Timofeevich was already over 30. He walked with him through the streets of Moscow, showed him the Kremlin, and once they even climbed the church bell tower, from where there was an impressive view of Moscow.

Kozlov went with Pushkin to St. Petersburg when he entered the lyceum. It was not easy for him in the capital: the young poet constantly wrote bold poems that had to be hidden from the gendarmes. Despite this, Kozlov loved his charge very much. Once, police officer Vogel offered him a large sum for Pushkin's poems, which could lead to his expulsion. Nikita Timofeevich was so angry that he pushed Vogel out the door. Alexander Sergeyevich also valued his 'teacher.' When his classmate Korf hit Kozlov, Pushkin challenged him to a duel, but Korf refused. Kozlov took pride in Pushkin's successes as if they were his own. The writer did not forget him: Kozlov's features can be seen in Savelich from 'The Captain's Daughter.'

The most terrible thing for Kozlov happened on January 27, 1837, when they brought him the mortally wounded Pushkin. Nikita Timofeevich was the first to rush to the carriage and took the poet in his arms. Seeing the tears in the old man's eyes, the bleeding Pushkin asked, 'Are you sad to carry me, Nikita?' Kozlov accompanied the coffin with the poet's body to the grave. According to contemporaries, he was never seen in such a dejected state.