Martyn, Henry

(Feb. 18, 1781-Oct. 16, 1812). One of the founders of the Christian church in India and Iran. He was born in Truro, Cornwall, England. Martyn received his B.A. in 1801, his M.A. in 1804, and his B.D. in 1805, all from St. John's College, Cambridge. In 1803 he became the curate of Charles Simeon at Cambridge. He served there until July 17, 1805, when he sailed for India as a chaplain of the East India Company. While in India he translated the NT into Hindustani, Persian, and Arabic, the Psalms into Persian, and the BCP into Hindustani. He died in Tokat, Armenia. Martyn is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Oct. 19.