William Ward (1769–1823) was not the most famous of the Serampore Trio. William Carey (1761–1834) and Joshua Marshman (1768–1837) tend to be remembered. Ward deserves to be better known for his invaluable contribution to the work of the English Particular mission to India. He and Marshman followed Carey to Bengal in 1799 and the three worked in close partnership. Ward co-directed the Serampore Mission from his arrival until 1823, when his life was cut short at the age of 54 by cholera.
Early life
Ward was born in Derby in the Midlands. His father, a carpenter, died while his son was still young. His mother attended a local Wesleyan Methodist chapel. Despite a limited education, the young Ward became an apprentice to a printer and developed sufficient skills to become editor of The Derby Mercury. He was clearly an intelligent man, and became interested in events in Europe, in particular France during the revolutionary years (1789–1797).
Ward became a political commentator, and being influenced by John Locke, Tom Paine, and other radical thinkers, adopted republican views. Outspoken, he began to write on political issues, which resulted in criminal prosecutions for ‘seditious libel’. He escaped punishment on each occasion.
While in London in 1793, Ward chanced to meet William Carey at a point in his life when he was beginning to wonder what he should do with his life. He then worked for a while in Stafford and Hull, producing newspapers.
