At the time of his birth his father had retired from the army, but earlier in his military career Lev Pavlovich had fought as an officer against Napoleon's invading armies. Pafnuty Lvovich was born on the small family estate into a upper class family with an impressive history.
Sa panahon ng kanyang kapanganakan ng kanyang ama ay nagretiro mula sa hukbo, ngunit mas maaga sa kanyang karera sa militar Lev Pavlovich had fought bilang isang opisyal laban sa Napoleon's invading armies. Pafnuty Lvovich ay isinilang sa maliit na ari-arian ng pamilya sa isang itaas na klase ng pamilya na may isang kahanga-kasaysayan.