Ralph Hutchinson (academic) facts for kids

Ralph Hutchinson (born around 1553, died 1606) was an important English church leader and scholar. He was the head of St John's College, Oxford, and he helped translate the famous Authorised King James Version of the Bible.

Ralph's Early Life and Education

Ralph Hutchinson grew up in London. He went to a school called Merchant Taylors' School. Later, he studied at St John's College, Oxford. In 1570, he received a special scholarship there. This scholarship was given by Joanna, the wife of the college's founder, Sir Thomas White.

Ralph earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1575. He then got his master's degree (M.A.) in 1578. He became a priest and worked in churches in Cropthorne, Worcestershire, and Charlbury, Oxfordshire.

Leading a College and Translating the Bible

On June 9, 1590, Ralph Hutchinson was chosen to be the President of St John's College. This meant he was the leader of the college. He continued his studies, earning more advanced degrees in theology (B.D. in 1596 and D.D. in 1602).

In 1604, King James chose Ralph to be one of the scholars who would translate the Bible into English. This new translation became known as the King James Version. Ralph was part of a group that worked on the Epistles (letters) in the New Testament.

Ralph Hutchinson passed away on January 16, 1606. He was buried in the chapel at St John's College. His wife, Mary, had a stone statue made in his honor there.

Ralph's Family Life

Ralph Hutchinson married Mary, whose father, Francis Willis, had also been President of St John's College before Ralph. Ralph and Mary had a daughter named Anne, who later married Rowland Searchfield. They also had a son named Robert Gentilis. It is believed that Anne Whitehead, an early writer and member of the Quaker religious group, was Ralph's granddaughter.