Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 April 1896 — FOUND THE FIRST DIAMOND. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FOUND THE FIRST DIAMOND.

Now.a Pension to Lucky Jacobs la Proposed by the Cape Government. The Cape of Good Hope Government is contemplating the bestowal of a pension upon Lennord Jacobs, who found the first diamond in the ctfidny. Jacobs, a Korannah, settled In Pendel, now known as Barley, in 1868. A (?«■- ffian mtestofafry, Kaßettfeerigr -toMUbJm. to look Sharp for diamonds, explaining to the Ignorant Korannah the value and appearance of the stones. Jacobs’ ehifi

dren soon after found several guttering stxmes. One proved to be a real diamond; the others were crystals. Jay cobs’ wife, notkuowing that any particular value attached to the jewel, exchanged It for calico. Jacobs set out- on the trail of the lucky trader, and, finding him, forced him to return the jewel. The Korannah’s stone was forwarded bo Port Elizabeth, where Sir Fillip Woodhouse, the Governor, purchased it for £SOO. He named it the “Star of South Africa, and it still remains in his family. Jacobs, after a lapse of two years, recelved a horse, wagon and some sheep as payment. The man is now an octogenarian and in hearty health.

LENNARD JACOBS, Who discovered diamonds in South Africa.