Paul Kruger

Stephanus Johannes Paul Kruger (10 October 1825 – 14 July 1904), fondly known as Oom Paul (Afrikaans for "Uncle Paul"), was a prominent Boer resistance leader against British rule and president of the Transvaal Republic in South Africa.

Youth

Kruger was born to a family of Prussian descent at Bulhoek, his grandfather's farm in the Steynsburg district, and grew up on the farm Vaalbank. He received only three months' formal education, his master being one Tielman Roos, but became knowledgeable from life on the veld. His father, Casper Kruger, joined the trek party of Hendrik Potgieter when the Great Trek started in 1836.

Related Topics:
Prussian - Bulhoek - Steynsburg - Vaalbank - Tielman Roos - Veld - Casper Kruger - Hendrik Potgieter - Great Trek - 1836

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The trekkers crossed the Vaal River in 1838, and at first stayed in the area that is known today as Potchefstroom. Kruger's father later decided to settle in the district now known as Rustenburg. At the age of 16, Kruger was entitled to choose a farm for himself at the foot of the Magaliesberg, where he settled in 1841.

Related Topics:
Vaal River - 1838 - Potchefstroom - Rustenburg - Magaliesberg - 1841

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The following year he married Maria du Plessis, and the young couple accompanied his father to live in the Eastern Transvaal for a while. After the family had returned to Rustenburg, Kruger's wife and infant son died, probably from malaria. He then married Gezina du Plessis, who was his constant and devoted companion until her death in 1901. Seven daughters and nine sons were born of the marriage, some dying in infancy.

Related Topics:
Maria du Plessis - Malaria - Gezina du Plessis - 1901

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