Kruger, Paul, in full Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger 1825-1904
South African politician

Born in Colesberg in Cape Colony, he was a Boer. He trekked to Natal, the Orange Free State, and the Transvaal, and won such a reputation for cleverness, coolness, and courage that in the First Boer War (1880-81), he was appointed head of the provisional government. He was elected President of the Transvaal or South African Republic in 1883, and again in 1888, 1893 and 1898. 'Oom Paul' (Uncle Paul) governed the Second Boer War of 1899-1902, but after the tide had turned against the Boers, went to Europe to seek (in vain) alliances against Great Britain. He made his headquarters at Utrecht, and published The Memoirs of Paul Kruger, told by Himself (1902).

Bibliography: D W Kruger, Paul Kruger (2 vols, 1961-63)