Heidelberg historical figures: PD Jacobs
Heidelberg is full of history and historical figures who have either occupied land in the area or passed through Heidelberg.
The history can be seen in the street names that have significant meanings and historical value.
Pieter Daniel Jacobs was a wealthy farmer in Beaufort West. Veld Cornet Jacobs responded to a call to assist the Boers after Piet Retief was murdered.
With 60 men, Jacobs reached Andries Pretorius on December 15, 1838.
Together with his two sons, Gabriel Gerhardus and Pieter Daniel, Jacobs took part in the battle against the Zulu warriors.
The conflict is known as the Battle of Blood River. During the battle, Jacobs was promoted to commandant.
Afterwards, he travelled to Suikerbosrand and made a home for himself, his family and his followers.
Jacobs established his home in the Suikerbosrand area in 1839 on the farm Goedverwachting.
He farmed at Goedverwachting from 1839 to 1845.
Gabriel Gerhardus Jacobs made a home for himself in Houtpoort, at that time, one of the leading centres of church life and politics in the then Transvaal.
One of the other farm properties owned by Jacobs was Lagerspoort.
PD Jacobs died on June 18, 1859, on the farm Nooitgedacht. Jacobs is buried in the Kloof Cemetery.
His daughter Johanna Aletta Jacobs married Jacobus Gerhardus van der Westhuizen.
When Johanna died, the farm was sold for £80.
Two streets in Heidelberg have been named after the family – Jacobs and Van der Westhuizen streets.
Source: Heidelberg Heritage Association.
