John Wilson (Scottish missionary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Very Reverend John Wilson DD, FRS |
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John Wilson, Missionary and Orientalist
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| Church | Protestant (Church of Scotland; Free Church of Scotland) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 December 1804 Lauder, Berwickshire, Scotland |
| Died | 1 December 1875 (aged 70) Bombay, Bombay Presidency |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Denomination | Christian |
| Parents | Andrew Wilson, Janet Hunter |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh |
John Wilson (1804–1875) was a Scottish Christian missionary, scholar, and teacher. He spent most of his life in Bombay, India (now Mumbai). He is famous for starting important schools and universities there. He founded Wilson College, Mumbai and helped create the Bombay University.
In 1828, he married Margaret Bayne. They traveled to Bombay as missionaries. John Wilson was also the president of the Asiatic Society of Bombay for several years.
Contents
John Wilson's Early Life and Education
John Wilson was born in Lauder, Scotland, on December 11, 1804. He was the oldest of seven children in a farming family. His father, Andrew Wilson, was a respected local leader. His mother, Janet Hunter, was also a strong and influential person. The family lived on a large farm.
Even as a young child, John was very smart. He learned to walk and talk earlier than most kids. At school, his classmates sometimes called him 'the priest'. This was because he often pretended to preach to them.
John started school in Lauder when he was four years old. He later moved to a parish school. He finished school at age fourteen, which was common in Scotland back then. His teachers noticed his quick learning and strong character.
University Studies and First Teaching Experience
In 1819, John Wilson began studying at the University of Edinburgh. He spent eight years there. He studied many subjects, including languages, philosophy, and religion. He became very good at several languages. These included Gujarati, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Urdu, Hindi, Persian, and Arabic.
During his studies, he realized he loved teaching. He decided to make it his career. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1828.
Before going to India, John worked as a tutor. He guided and taught three boys from the Cormack family. They traveled through the Netherlands together. One of his students later became a famous doctor. This experience helped John decide to dedicate his life to helping people in India, especially in Bombay.
John Wilson's Educational Mission in India
In 1829, John Wilson and his wife, Margaret, arrived in Bombay. They were Christian missionaries from the Church of Scotland. First, they learned the Marathi language. Then, in 1831, they moved back to Bombay. There, John started the Ambroli Church.
Debates and Writings
From 1830 to 1831, John Wilson took part in public discussions. He debated with Hindu scholars in Bombay. He also wrote books to share his ideas. One of his important works was An Exposure of the Hindu Religion. He also started a magazine called The Oriental Christian Spectator. This magazine discussed religion, society, and European ideas. It was published from 1830 to 1862.
Founding Schools and Colleges
John Wilson was determined to create schools in Bombay. In 1832, he opened an English school. In 1836, he added a college. This college is now known as Wilson College, Mumbai. Through this school, he brought European education to the city. He introduced new ways of teaching and using textbooks. This slowly changed how schools in Bombay operated.
In 1857, John helped establish the Bombay University. He later became its Vice-Chancellor in 1869. This means he was a very important leader at the university.
Margaret Wilson's Contribution to Girls' Education
John Wilson's wife, Margaret, also played a huge role in education. She focused on helping girls. In 1829, she started schools specifically for girls. In 1832, she opened a boarding school for girls. This school is now called St. Columba High School. It was the first boarding school for girls in western India.
The Wilsons also opened schools for the Bene Israel Jewish community. These schools taught both boys and girls. They even translated parts of the Bible for them.
Preserving Indian History
John Wilson was very passionate about protecting India's historical sites. He was the Honorary President of the Asiatic Society of Bombay. In 1848, he became the first president of the Bombay Cave Temple Commission. He also strongly supported the creation of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1861. This organization helps find and protect ancient buildings and artifacts.
John Wilson's Family Life
John Wilson was married twice.
- His first wife was Margaret Bayne. They married on August 12, 1828. Margaret wrote a book about ancient Egyptians. She passed away on April 19, 1835. They had one son:
- Andrew Wilson, born in 1831. He became a traveler and writer. He also edited the Times of India newspaper.
After Margaret's death, her sisters, Anna and Hay Bayne, came to India to help John.
- His second wife was Isabella Dennistoun. They married in September 1846. Isabella passed away in September 1867. She did not have children with John. After her death, her niece, Miss Taylor, joined John in India.
John Wilson's Writings and Research
John Wilson wrote many books and articles. He was a scholar who studied ancient cultures and religions.
As an archaeologist, he wrote about historical sites. His books include:
- Lands of the Bible: Visited and Described (1847)
- Caves of Karla (1861), about the Karla Caves
- Religious Excavations of Western India: Buddhist, Brahamanical and Jaina (1875)
He also wrote about the history of the Bene Israel Jewish community in 1838. His other works covered various topics, from missionary efforts to Indian history and religion.
