이시백 李時白
Merit subject of the Injo Restoration who rose to Chief State Councillor and was known for frugal integrity (pen name Joam; posthumous title Chungik)
| Life | 1581 ~ 1660 |
| Era | 조선 중기 |
| Clan | 연안 이씨 |
Life & career
Yi Si-baek (1581-1660) was a mid-Joseon civil official of the Yeonan clan, with courtesy name Donsi, pen name Joam and posthumous title Chungik. His father was Yi Gwi, the leader of the Injo Restoration, and his younger brother was Yi Si-bang. A disciple of Seong Hon and Kim Jang-saeng, he is said to have been born in 1581, though a 1592 date is also given.
He was named a second-class Jeongsa merit subject for the 1623 Restoration and made Prince of Yeonyang. In 1624 he helped defeat Yi Gwal's rebels at Anhyeon, in 1627 guided King Injo safely to Ganghwa, and in 1636 defended the west gate of Namhansanseong. In 1638, as Minister of War, he was exiled to Yeosan over the matter of sending hostages to Qing, but was released in 1639.
He rose through the ministries to Right State Councillor in 1650, Left in 1652, and Chief State Councillor after a mission to Beijing in 1653, serving as minister seven times. After Crown Prince Sohyeon's death he argued for installing the crown prince's son, but was later trusted by King Hyojong. He urged extension of the Daedongbeop to Honam on Kim Yuk's proposal. The Veritable Records praised his integrity and loyalty, and his funeral was marked by three days of closure of offices and markets.
Restoration and Wars
He joined his father Yi Gwi in the Injo Restoration as a second-class merit subject and was entrusted with protecting the king in Yi Gwal's rebellion and the two Manchu invasions.
Chief State Councillor and Frugality
After seven ministerial posts he became Chief State Councillor in 1653, yet is said to have lived like a poor scholar. He also had a hand in extending the Daedongbeop to Honam.
Grave
The tomb was not confirmed here.
Descendants
His sons were Yi Heun (Prince Yeonchang), Yi Han and Yi Yeol; his eldest daughter was of the Yeonan Yi clan and his son-in-law was Jo Nae-yang of Pungyang.