PRYSE, William. Llanwrtydd, Breconshire 1820 — Sylhet (?) 2.8.1869.Rev. British (Welsh) Presbyterian Missionary in India. Born in Llanwrtyd, but the family moved soon to Tredegar in Monmouthshire. Studies in 1842-46 at Trefecca College. For a while pastor of Narbeth church, in 1848 ordained as missionary and sailed with his wife from Liverpool. From 1849 worked in Cherrapunjee and from 1850 in Sylhet Plain for Welsh Presbyterian Mission. In 1861-63 on furlough in Wales, then continued in Sylhet and Cachar Plain until 1867. He founded schools and promoted education. In 1867 quitted the mission, remained in India and entered business, but died soon. Married A. M. Edwards. Pryse was fluent in Khasi, Bengali and Hindustani.
Publications: Introduction to the Khasia Language, comprising Grammar, Selections for Reading and a Vocabulary. 10+192 p. Calcutta 1855.
Sources: J.H. Morris, The History of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists’ Foreign Mission. 1910, 314; D. Ben Rees (ed.), Vehicles of Grace and Hope: Welsh Missionaries in India 1800–1970. 2002; stray notes in Internet.
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