George William Ziemann

George William Ziemann (November 1806 or 1809 – December 26, 1881) was a German Christian missionary known for successfully establishing and running the Ghazipore Mission in India. He also did missionary work in many other parts of India for nearly 40 years, including Chupráh, Muzafferpore and Buxar, where he was able to spread Christian ideals to locals.

Early life (1809–1838) One source says that Ziemann was born on November 27, 1809. Another source states that his date of birth is November 22, 1806. Ziemann was born in Gross-Wudicke in the German state Saxony

Ziemann was the leader of his six-person group and they left Berlin on September 7, 1842. He had already been there on his preaching tours. The population served was primarily Koeri. Ziemann worked with another missionary named Höppner. Ziemann's wife took care of local orphans.

"The Annual Report of the German Mission in Ghazeepore" from 1869 reveals the names of the many donors who supported this mission. It also gives a report on divine service, keeps track of the baptisms and orphans, as well as information on the schools and preaching. This mission was called economical and was financially supported by Europeans. Ziemann settled permanently in Ghazipore in March 1855.

Return to Germany and back to India and legacy Ziemann took a leave of absence for health reasons in February 1875 to Germany. On his way there, he visited Palestine and Jerusalem for religious purposes. He returned to India at the end of 1875. George William Ziemann died on December 26, 1881, in Ghazipore. His death was reported to be mourned in India, England and Germany.

Despite Ziemann's successful missionary work, theologian Julius Richter claims that he could also provide an example of what not to do. Ziemann would travel far to preach in many different parts of India, which was universal at the time but changed because it takes time to instill Christian ideas in others' minds with their different values and ideas.