Career
Christoph Johan von Medem was born in the Mežotne manor, Semigallia on 13 August 1763. He had a good education and with help from his father he became a courtier in the court of the Friedrich the Great. Later he also served in Prussian army.
Later after his patrons death he moved to Saint St. Petersburg in the service of Russian emperor Paul I. He was his chamberlain and also served as ambassador in Washington.
After retirement he returned to Semigallia (where he owned several manors) and turned to agriculture. Their country residences included Villa Medem near Mitau and the Durbe Manor.
Christoph Johann von Medem died in Mitau on 24 February 1838.