Draft:Jovan Baćović

Jovan Baćović (Serbian Cyrillic: Јован Баћовић; Klenak, Banjani, 1810 - Kamenska, Banjani, 1862) was a Montenegrin captain and duke (voivode), son of Vasilje Baćović, a prominent figure in 18th-century Herzegovina.

Biography
Jovan Baćović was born in what was then Herzegovina and today's Montenegro.

In the Kosierevo monastery, he acquired the basics of literacy. At that time, the monastery was not only a spiritual but also a cultural and political center.

He organized the Herzegovina Uprising in 1852 and was one of the most prominent leaders of Banjani, along with knaz Đoko Miljanić. He reconciled the families in Krivošije, all with the aim of better resisting the Turks.

In 1855, together with other Banjani, he attacked the Kinković Tower in Velimlje and drove out the Turkish guards in Banjani out. For his determined fight against the Turks, Prince |Nikola appointed him as captain of Banjani. On the eve of the Battle of Grahovo, he clashed with the Turkish vanguard at Vilusi. He participated in the Battle of Trujela where Salih Pasha was killed. He managed to keep the Turkish units in check at Pilatovci in 1862.

At the assembly of Herzegovinian elders in Cetinje on 13 March 1859, he was proclaimed duke voivode) by Prince Danilo Petrović of Montenegro.

Jovan Baćović was one of the most respected people of that era. Not only was he a brave warrior, but he also stood out as a good diplomat and politician. He was present during the conclusion of the agreement between the Turks and the insurgents in Dubrovnik in June 1858. He negotiated with the French and English consuls in Korjenići and was the leader of several delegations that negotiated with Dervish Pasha in Mostar.

Jovan Baćović is sung in Serbian epic songs, and he died honourably in battle against Turks near Nikšić. His son is Maksim Baćović.

Literature

 * Serbian family encyclopedia, Narodna knjiga 2006.