Colling Pioneer Cemetery Traditional Cache
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A quick cache and dash
I suspect most cachers have passed by this location hundreds of times to or from their day of caching, but I wonder how many people actually know this place is here. I grew up not that far from here, and while I knew this place existed, never checked it out until I decided to place the cache.
Parking is along the road shoulder. I recommend parking on the northbound side of the road as the shoulders are wider. Please watch children while crossing the road
as cars pass by quickly.
Recently this cache was visited by descendants of Joseph Colling, and they provided a brief family history. I have added it here so that all who visit will know more about this pioneer family.
In 1822, Joseph Colling, his wife, Jane Featherstone, and their seven children left Weardale, Co Durham England, to come to Nelson Township in Upper Canada. He purchased a 100-acre parcel of unlceared land. In the 1840's Jospeh bought more land that eventually amassed 600 acres. This became known as the Colling Block, located between the Guelph Line, Blind Line and Colling Road and Britannia Road at Lowville Ontario, Canada in Halton County.. When he died in 1863, he left a 150 acres to each of his four sons. Joseph also left a very detailed will with instructions establishing the family cemetary now known as Colling Pioneer Cemetary. Joseph wanted a private buriel ground for his family and thier descandents. The development of Lowville United Cemetary interrupted his plans and that is where he is buried along with many descendents, including ones recently passed.
Joseph served as surveyor of highways for Nelson Township.
Faith was and still to this days remains an important part of daily life. Joseph and Jane were Methodists at a time when the Church of England was trying to be the established faith in Ontario and was the established church back in England. Joseph gave the land for the building of Colling's Church, now known as Lowville United Church. When the church was established, Joseph had to hold it in trust as dissenting churches were not allowed to own property.
By 1868, Joseph Colling and his wife, Jane, had 107 descendants, 8 children, 54 grandchildren, and 45 great grandchildren. Today thier descendents number in the thousands. While there is still many in the Lowville area, they can also be found in New York, Western Canada, Missouri and Michigan where there is a town named Colling Michigan!
Please let me know if you knew this place existed when logging your find. I'd love to get a feel for the number of people that are surprized this place exists.
Additional Hints
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