BARNATO, BARNEY

(1852-97)

   South African mining magnate. Born in London, he went to the Jews' Free School. In 1873 he went to South Africa during the diamond rush. He initially ran a theat-rical company, and later worked in the diamond industry. Together with his brother, he bought diamond claims, and they founded the Barnato Mining Company. In 1888 Barnato amalgamated with De Beers. He then turned to finance and became a member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.