The article discusses the story of one of the most wealthy and influential merchant dynasties of Yeniseisk in the 19^th century – the Kobychevs. Biographical data (including previously unknown) about the representatives of different generations of this family have been given. Their economic activities, public service, lifestyle have been characterized. The reconstruction of Kobychevs' life path allows us to reveal the features inherent to the development of the Siberian merchant class in general and concerning the conditions and ways of initial accumulation of capital, the spheres of its further circulation, conflicts and interaction with the regional administration, the influence of merchants on the urban environment. Analysis of biographical information about Kobychevs contained in periodicals and works of their contemporaries, emphasizes the important position of the merchant class in the structure of the Siberian urban society and the significant contribution of merchants to the economy, public and cultural life of the region.