Adoniram Judson

Date of Birth: August 9, 1788

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: April 12, 1850

Biography

Adoniram Judson was a pioneering American missionary who played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Burma (modern-day Myanmar). Born on August 9, 1788, in Malden, Massachusetts, Judson was a bright and inquisitive child. He graduated from Brown University as valedictorian in 1807 and later attended Andover Theological Seminary, where he experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led him to commit his life to missionary work. In 1812, Judson and his wife, Ann Hasseltine Judson, set sail for India under the auspices of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Due to political complications, they soon relocated to Burma, where they faced immense challenges including language barriers, cultural differences, and political instability. Despite these hardships, Judson’s perseverance led to the translation of the Bible into Burmese and the establishment of several Christian communities. His efforts were not without personal sacrifice. Judson endured imprisonment, the death of his first wife Ann, and the loss of several children. Yet, he remained committed to his mission, spending nearly 40 years in Burma. By the time of his death on April 12, 1850, Judson had laid a strong foundation for Christian missions in the region, greatly influencing the course of Burmese Christianity.

5 Interesting Facts about Adoniram Judson

1. Adoniram Judson was the first American missionary to Burma and one of the first missionaries to be sent overseas by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

2. Judson translated the entire Bible into Burmese, a monumental task that took him 24 years to complete.

3. He was imprisoned for 21 months during the Anglo-Burmese War, under suspicion of being a British spy.

4. Judson wrote a Burmese-English dictionary, which became a vital resource for future missionaries and scholars.

5. Despite the loss of his first wife Ann and several children, Judson continued his mission work, later marrying two more times.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Adoniram Judson

1. “The future is as bright as the promises of God.”

2. “There is no success without sacrifice.”

3. “How few there are who die so hard!”

4. “Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen.”

5. “I am not tired of my work, neither am I tired of the world; yet, when Christ calls me home, I shall go with the gladness of a boy bounding away from school.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Adoniram Judson did not accumulate significant personal wealth; his life’s work was focused on missionary efforts rather than financial gain.

Children

Adoniram Judson had 13 children with his three wives (Ann Hasseltine, Sarah Boardman, and Emily Chubbuck). Several of his children died in infancy or early childhood, a common occurrence in that era. His surviving children went on to live varied lives, some continuing his legacy in missionary work, while others pursued different careers.