Gérard Cauvin

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Gérard Cauvin (died May 26, 1531) was the father of the Protestant Reformer John Calvin.

Cauvin was a man of hard and severe character, occupied a prominent position as apostolic secretary to Charles de Hangest, bishop of Noyon. He also served as proctor in the Chapter of the diocese, and fiscal procurator of the county. He lived on intimate terms with the best families of the neighborhood.

His wife, Jeanne Lefranc (daughter of an innkeeper at Cambrai), was noted for her beauty and piety. She died after giving birth to 5 (some sources say 6) children (3 sons & 2 daughters). A son, christened Jean Cauvin (or Chauvin) but better known as John Calvin, would become a major influence in Protestant Reformation and theology. After Lefranc's death, Cauvin married a woman with whom he would have two daughters.

He became involved in financial embarrassment, and was excommunicated, perhaps on suspicion of heresy. He died May 26 (or 25), 1531, after a long sickness, and would have been buried in unconsecrated soil but for the intercession of his oldest son, Charles, who gave security for the discharge of his father’s obligations.

This article is based on Philip Schaff's History of the Christian Church, Volume VIII: Modern Christianity. The Swiss Reformation, which is in the public domain.