Dragutin Lerman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dragutin Lerman
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| Born | 24 August 1863 Požega, Slavonia, Austrian Empire
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| Died | 12 July 1918 (aged 54) Kreševo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria-Hungary
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| Nationality | Croatian |
| Occupation | explorer of Africa |
| Known for | discovery of the waterfalls on the Kouilou River named Zrinski chutes |
Dragutin Lerman (born August 24, 1863 – died July 12, 1918) was a famous Croatian explorer. He is best known for his exciting journeys through Africa, especially in the Congo.
Contents
A Life of Adventure
Dragutin Lerman was born in a town called Požega in Slavonia, which is part of modern-day Croatia. He left home when he was quite young to seek adventure.
Exploring with Stanley
In 1882, Dragutin Lerman joined a big expedition led by the famous explorer Henry Morton Stanley. This trip took them deep into the Congo. Lerman was one of Stanley's most trusted team members. Stanley even described him as "energetic, cautious, and in high spirits."
Working for the King
Later, Lerman became a close helper and representative for Leopold II, who was the King of the Belgians. He worked for the Belgian government in the Congo.
Lerman made several trips to Africa:
- His first adventure lasted from 1882 to 1885.
- The second was from 1888 to 1890.
- His third journey took place between 1892 and 1894.
- The fourth, and final, trip lasted for six months in 1896.
Discovering Waterfalls
During his journey through the Congo in 1882, Lerman made an important discovery. He found huge waterfalls on the Kouilou River. He named these beautiful waterfalls the Zrinski chutes. He chose this name to honor the Zrinski family, who were important rulers from his home country of Croatia.
His Diaries and Legacy
Dragutin Lerman kept detailed diaries of his travels. These diaries were later turned into two books.
- The first book, called Dnevnik iz Afrike (Diary from Africa), was published in 1891. Lerman's friend, Julije Kempf from Požega, helped write and print it based on Lerman's notes.
- The second book, Novi dnevnik iz Afrike (New diary from Africa), came out in 1894.
Lerman's exciting stories inspired other explorers. Two brothers, Mirko and Stjepan Seljan, were motivated by Lerman's adventures. They went on to map parts of Africa and South America around the start of the 20th century.
His Collection
When Lerman returned home from the Congo, he brought back many interesting items. He donated a large part of his collection, 493 artifacts, to the Ethnographic Museum in Zagreb, Croatia. These items are still part of the museum's permanent display today.
Lerman's original diary is kept safe in the archives of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
He passed away in Kreševo, a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can still see his gravestone there.
