George Collins was born in 1805 in West Tytherley, Hampshire the son of George Collins and his wife Elizabeth. He married Rachel Waterman on 6th March 1840 in West Tytherley. Rachel was born 1812 in West Tytherley, Hampshire, the daughter of John Waterman and his wife Elizabeth formerly Lonon (or London), she was baptised on 20th September 1812 in West Tytherley. They lived in the small ville of Frenchmoor (little more than a lane running between West Tytherley and West Dean) in a small labourers cottage. George's occupation is variously described as Agricultural Labourer, Hawker and Rag Gatherer so they were clearly a poor family living a hand to mouth existence. George and Rachel had seven children:

John b.1837 in Frenchmoor

James b. 1840 in Frnchmoor

Elizabeth b. 1842 in Frenchmoor

Mary Ann b. 1845 in Frenchmoor

Harriet b. 1846 in Frenchmoor d. 1918 in Romsey, Hampshire

Eliza b. 1851 in Frenchmoor d. 1870 in Frenchmoor from Pthisis (Tuberculosis). Eliza had an illegitimate daughter Julia in 1869. Julia was raised by Eliza's sister Harriet.

George Edward b.1854 in Frenchmoor.

Rachel died in 1873 in Frenchmoor and George died the following year 1874 in Frenchmoor.