Paul Kruger
Paul Kruger, (1825-1904). Boer statesman. Of Dutch descent, he went with his parents and other families on the great trek’ from Cape Colony to settle north of the Orange River. A member of the Dutch Reformed Church of the Transvaal, he considered himself to be Under special guidance and protection. Kruger served as president of the Transvaal four times (1883-98). During his last term of office his denial of civil rights to the Uitlanders (white immigrants to the Transvaal) and his opposition to British imperial interests led to the Boer War (1899-1902). He fled to Europe in 1899 and died in Switzerland.