Barney Barnato
Barney Barnato (21 February 1851 – 14 June 1897), born Barnet Isaacs, was a British Randlord and diamond magnate, one of the entrepreneurs who gained control of diamond mining, and later, gold mining in South Africa from the 1870s up to World War I. He is perhaps best remembered as being a rival of Cecil Rhodes. Early life Barney Barnato, originally named Barnet Isaacs, was born in Aldgate, London on 21 February 1851, to parents Isaac and Leah Isaacs. He was educated by Moses Angel at the Jews' Free School and became a music hall entertainer and prizefighter. Barney grew up in Whitechapel. His mother, Leah, died in 1852. His father, Isaac Isaacs, made a living by selling second hand clothing and fabric remnants. Barney and his older brother Harry, left school in their early teens and entered their father's business. Their siblings were Kate, Sarah and Lizzie. Barney and Harry performed on stage in the music halls. Harry was introduced as the Great Henry Isaacs and Barney as “and Barnett too." They became known as Bar-na-to, the Barnato Brothers. Barney also made an income from prizefighting. Career In 1873, Barney joined his brother Harry in the Cape Colony during