William Carey

Date of Birth: August 17, 1761

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 9, 1834

Biography

William Carey was a British Christian missionary and a pivotal figure in the modern missionary movement. Born into a humble family in rural England, Carey’s early life was marked by a passion for learning and a deep sense of religious commitment. He initially worked as a shoemaker, but his strong interest in theology spurred him to educate himself in various languages and religious texts. In 1793, Carey, along with his family, set sail for India under the auspices of the Baptist Missionary Society. His work in India was groundbreaking; he translated the Bible into several local languages, established the Serampore College, and was instrumental in advocating for social reforms, including the abolition of the practice of sati (widow burning). Carey’s legacy is celebrated as that of a dedicated scholar, translator, and social reformer who laid the foundations for future missionary work.

5 Interesting Facts about William Carey

1. William Carey translated the Bible into Bengali, Oriya, Assamese, Hindi, Marathi, and Sanskrit, among other languages.

2. He founded Serampore College, which was the first degree-awarding university in India.

3. Carey was instrumental in the establishment of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India in 1820.

4. He was a strong advocate for the abolition of slavery and the practice of sati in India.

5. Carey’s work and methods laid the groundwork for the modern missionary movement, which emphasized cultural sensitivity and linguistic proficiency.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Carey

1. “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”

2. “To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.”

3. “I am not afraid of failure; I am afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.”

4. “The future is as bright as the promises of God.”

5. “I can plod. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

William Carey did not amass significant personal wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not documented as he dedicated his life to missionary work and scholarship rather than financial gain.

Children

William Carey had six children with his wife Dorothy Plackett: 1. Felix Carey 2. William Carey Jr. 3. Peter Carey 4. Jabez Carey 5. Jonathan Carey 6. Eustace Carey