Ann Hasseltine Judson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ann Hasseltine
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Ann "Nancy" H. Judson
|
|
| Born | December 22, 1789 |
| Died | October 24, 1826 (aged 36) Amherst, Burma (now Kyaikkami, Myanmar)
|
| Known for | Missionary work in Burma |
| Spouse(s) | Adoniram Judson |
Ann Hasseltine Judson (born December 22, 1789 – died October 24, 1826) was an amazing American woman. She was one of the very first female missionaries from the United States to travel to other countries. She worked to share her Christian faith and help people in places like India and Burma (now Myanmar).
Contents
Ann Judson's Early Life and Mission
Ann grew up in Bradford, Massachusetts. She went to Bradford Academy. While there, she read a book that made her want to live a "useful" life. This meant she wanted to help others and make a difference. After finishing school, she worked as a teacher until she got married.
Her father, John Hasseltine, was an important leader in their church. In 1810, a group met at their church. This meeting led to the creation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This organization helped send missionaries to other countries. It was around this time that Ann met her future husband, Adoniram Judson.
Journey to Asia
Ann married Adoniram in 1812. Just two weeks later, they began their long journey. They sailed to India to start their mission work. The next year, they moved to Burma (which is now called Myanmar).
Life and Challenges in Burma
Life in Burma was not easy. Ann had three pregnancies during her time there. Her first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage while they were moving. Her son, Roger, was born in 1815 but sadly died when he was only eight months old. Her third child, Maria, lived for six months after Ann passed away.
When they first arrived in Burma, Ann and Adoniram worked hard. Their main goal was to learn the local language. This was very important for their missionary efforts. In 1819, their hard work paid off. The first local person in Burma became a Christian.
Ann faced health problems too. She had liver issues and had to return to the United States. This trip was a short break in 1822–23.
Supporting Her Husband in Prison
A big challenge came during the first Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826). Ann's husband, Adoniram, was arrested. People thought he might be an English spy. He was kept in prison for 17 months.
Ann showed incredible bravery and strength during this time. She moved into a small shack right outside the prison gates. This way, she could be close to her husband. She worked tirelessly for months. She tried to convince the authorities to free Adoniram and the other prisoners. Even though her efforts were not successful, she never gave up. She also sent food and sleeping mats to the prisoners. This helped make their time in prison a little more bearable.
During these difficult months, Ann also wrote stories. She wrote about her life as a missionary. She shared the struggles she faced. These writings later became very important.
Ann's Final Years and Legacy
By the time Adoniram was released from prison, Ann's health was very weak. She had traveled a lot to stay near him when he was moved. She was also caring for a newborn child. These tough conditions likely made her very ill.
After Adoniram was freed, they both stayed in Burma. They continued their important work. Ann died in Amherst, Lower Burma, in 1826. She passed away from smallpox, a serious disease.
Ann Judson was also a talented writer and translator. She wrote a catechism (a book of religious teachings) in the Burmese language. She also translated parts of the Bible into Burmese. These included the books of Daniel and Jonah. In 1819, she translated the Gospel of Matthew into Thai. This made her the first Protestant to translate any part of the Bible into Thai.
Ann's letters home were published in magazines. After she died, they were collected and published as devotional writings. This made both Ann and Adoniram very famous in America. Her work and writings helped show that being a missionary's wife was an important "calling." Many biographies have been written about Ann Judson. Her story inspired many people in the 1800s.
Namesake Colleges
