Krapf, Johann Ludwig

Krapf, Johann Ludwig a famous German missionary, was born January 11, 1810, at Devendingen, near Tubingen. He studied at the latter place, and entered the service of the Church Missionary Society in 1837. He was sent to Africa, where he labored till 1855, when the poor state of his health obliged him to return to Europe. He retired to Kornthal, and spent his time in translating the Scriptures into different dialects of east Africa. He died Nov. 26,1881, while at prayer on his knees. Of his works we mention, Reisen in Ostafiika in den Jahren 1837-55 (Kornthal, 1858, 2 volumes): his Dictionary of the Suahili Language was published after his death (Lond. 1882). (B.P.)