- GEORGE KALLAWAY COLLING, one of the well-known citizens of
Janesville, and a leading
- contractor and builder, has been numbered among its residents
since 1856, and since 1865 has followed his present line of business.
He is a native of Exeter, Devonshire, England, born in 1829 and
is a son of Henry K. COLLING. His grandfather, William COLLING,
was a farmer and reached the age of ninety years. The COLLING
family has attained notoriety in the field of architecture, James
K. COLLING, of London, a cousin of our subject, being a leading
architect of that city, while other members of the family have
also gained distinction in the same line.
- Unto Mr. and Mrs. HENRY K. COLLING were born five children,
four sons and a daughter, all
- of whom are now living, with the exception of the youngest
son, Henry, who served as a soldier in the English army during
the Crimean War, and died of cholera at Balaklava, the scene
of the famous charge of the English Light Brigade. The surviving
members of the family are William, who is a resident of Janesville;
Mary, whose home is in Plymouth, England; George K., of this
sketch, and John, who is also residing in Plymouth, England.
- Our subject was reared to manhood in his native land and
there learned the carpenter's trade,
- which he has followed throughout his life. He was married
in England, his union being with Miss Rebecca SARGENT, who was
also born in Devonshire, and in 1856 emigrated with his family
to the United States. After landing on the shores of America,
he came directly to Janesville, Wis., where his brother William
had previously located, and here, for thirty-three years he has
made his home. He has witnessed the many changes and the great
progress made by both town and surrounding country during the
past third of a century, and has aided in their growth and development.
- Before their emigration to America three children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. COLLING, two of
- whom accompanied them to this country. Elizabeth, who is
now the wife of Al. BOOMER, of Carey Station; and George Henry,
who grew to manhood but died in Mexico, in 1886. A little daughter
died in England. Three children were born in infancy. Mary, the
other child, is the wife of Harry E. MERRILL, of Janesville.
Mr. COLLING takes prominent rank among the men of his occupation
in Rock County, and is esteemed as a worthy and valued citizen.
He is a consistent member of the Episcopal Church, and is liberal
and charitable in his religious life.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 507.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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