David Harris (South African businessman)

Colonel Sir David Harris KCMG (12 July 1852 - 23 September 1942) was a soldier, diamond magnate, and legislator.[1]

Colonel Sir
David Harris
Member of the Parliament for Kimberley
In office
1897–1929
MonarchsVictoria (1897-1901)
Edward VII (1901-1910)
George V (1910-1929)
Preceded byBarney Barnato
Personal details
Born(1852-07-12)12 July 1852
London, England
Died23 September 1942(1942-09-23) (aged 89–90)
Kimberley, South Africa
RelationsBarney Barnato (cousin)
Military service
Allegiance United Kingdom
RankColonel
Battles/warsSecond Boer War
Xhosa Wars

Early life

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He was born in London, England, and emigrated to the Colony of Natal in 1871. He later traveled 950 km from Durban to Kimberley where he began working as a prospector. Within two years, he was wealthy and had made the acquaintance of Cecil Rhodes.

Career

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Military service

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He joined the Du Toit's Pan Horse Regiment in 1876 fought in the Gaika-Galeka war (part of the Xhosa Wars in the Eastern Cape. He also fought in other campaigns and distinguished himself in the Langeberg Rebellion (1896-97).

He served in the Home Guard during the Siege of Kimberley.

Member of Parliament

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In 1897, he joined the Parliament of the Cape of Good Hope on the death of Barney Barnato. He held the seat for 32 years.[2] In 1897, he also became a director of De Beers Consolidated Mines, an office he held until 1931.

Personal life

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Harris married his wife, Rosa Gabriel, in 1873, in the first Jewish wedding to take place in Kimberley.[3]

References

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  1. ^ de Kock, W. J. (1968). Dictionary of South African biography: Vol I. Pretoria: Human Sciences Research Council. p. 351.
  2. ^ "A Jewish Pioneer of South Africa: Colonel Sir David Harris Grand Old Man" of South African Jewry". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 4 November 1931. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  3. ^ Hotz, Luis. "Harris, Sir David | Encyclopedia.com". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 3 April 2021.