Roberts, Issachar J. (Issachar Jacox), 1802-1871

Southern Baptist missionary to China, 1846-51. First American Baptist missionary in city of Canton. One of first appointees of the Foreign Mission Board. From 1836-46, Roberts was with the Foreign Mission Board of the Triennial Convention. He was a controversial personality, often in conflict with the Foreign Mission Board and individuals, including his wife and children. He was the instructor of Hung Hsiu- ch'uan, leader of the Tiaping Rebellion. Roberts maintained contact with Taiping leaders and attempted to influence them. After his resignation from the Foreign Mission Board, Roberts continued to work in China until his retirement in 1866. He died of leprosy in Illinois in 1871.