Judsons

Judsons is a surname most closely associated with the Judson family of American Baptist missionaries in the early 19th century. The two best known members are Adoniram Judson and his wife Ann Hasseltine Judson, who together undertook mission work in Burma (now Myanmar) and helped establish Protestant missions there.

Adoniram Judson (1788–1850) was an American missionary who led the first large-scale foreign mission from the United States to Burma. He and his colleagues translated the Bible into Burmese and founded early Baptist churches, playing a foundational role in the development of American Baptist missions. His work and writings influenced Protestant mission movements in the 19th century.

Ann Hasseltine Judson (1789–1826) accompanied him to Burma and contributed to the mission through patient labor, letters, and diaries that shed light on the experiences of early missionaries. She is often remembered for her perseverance and for helping to shape women’s participation in missionary work during that era.

Judsons also appear in the names of several institutions and organizations named in honor of Adoniram Judson. Judson University, a private Baptist liberal arts university in Elgin, Illinois, is named for him. Judson College in Marion, Alabama, a historically Baptist women’s college, was founded in the 19th century and named after Adoniram Judson. Judson Memorial Church in New York City bears his name and is known for its urban ministry and social advocacy. The Judson Press, associated with American Baptist Churches USA, reflects the enduring influence of the Judsons on Baptist publishing and mission work.

In summary, Judsons denotes a surname linked to early Protestant missions and to several institutions named in honor of Adoniram Judson and his legacy.