Kontogouris was counsellor to France, Spain, United States and other governments. He accumulated a great fortune and participated during the revolution. He also ran the Cefalonian Body, which he equipped at his own expense. When the Turks invaded Patras, he was chased away and returned to Kefalonia. Before he left, he set light to his warehouses, most of which were full, so that his goods would not fall into the hands of the Turks.