John Kilian

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Pastor Jan Kilian (March 22, 1811 – September 12, 1884) was a leader of the Wendish-German colony in and around Serbin, Texas.

He was born in Doehlen near Bautzen in Saxony. After school in Rachlau and Bautzen / Saxony he studied theology at the university in Leipzig. 1834-1837 he was a pastor substitusus in Hochkirch (his home parish). Because of the death of his uncle he became a pastor in Kotitz. 1848 he became a pastor in Weigersdorf / Prussia. It was during the years 1854 that about 550 Wendish Lutherans from Kilian's congregations in Weigersdorf / in Prussia and also from Saxony called him to lead them to Texas. This move resulted in the establishment of Serbin. He remained there until his death.