On July 16, the couple sailed for Calcutta, where they arrived on 2 December 1825. After acquiring the Burmese language, he entered upon his labors at Maulmain in May 1827, and founded a mission which became the central point of all the Baptist missions in Burma. In April 1828, he established a mission at Tavoy, where he soon afterward baptized Ko Tha Byu, a Karen convert, whose labors were very successful among his countrymen. On 5 February 1828, Boardman set out on a tour among the Karen villages, and met with such success that he determined on a systematic course of itinerary labor. On these trips, he was usually accompanied by Ko Tha Byu or some other convert.[2]
His exertions occasioned the loss of his health and brought on his early death by consumption. His widow married the Rev. Adoniram Judson, also a missionary. He and Sarah had a son[3] also named George Dana Boardman, often referred to as "the Younger".[2]
A residence and dining hall at his alma mater, Colby College, is named "Dana" in his honor.
King, Alonzo (1834) Memoir of George Dana Boardman : late missionary to Burmah, containing much intelligence relative to the Burman mission. Boston : Lincoln, Edmands & Co.
Chaplin, Jeremiah (1825) A Sermon Preached at North Yarmouth, February 16, 1825 : at the ordination of the Rev. George D. Boardman, as a missionary to the heathen. Waterville : W. Hastings.