Keeling, George Dennison

George Dennison Keeling

Keeling was born at 107 South Parade, Belfast on 19th April 1897 to John William Keeling, Marine Engineer of 12 Florenceville Avenue, Belfast and Elizabeth Frances Theodora Keeling nee Lamont. They had married on 14th May 1896 at Newtownbreda Church of Ireland.

In 1901 Keeling (4) is living in house 71, South Parade, Ormeau, Belfast with his parents and a sister Dorothy (2).

William Keeling died 'at sea' on 20th June 1906 (Ancestry family tree).

By 1911, Keeling was residing in a boarding school at number 19.1, St. Laurence Street, St. Laurence Gate, Drogheda, Co. Louth. There were 4 teachers and 20 pupils in the school on Census Day 1911.

On 23rd October 1913, Keeling joined Northern Bank at Head Office. Transfers to Shaftesbury Square (1914) and Head Office (1915) followed.

Northern Bank, Head Office, Victoria Street, Belfast

Northern Bank, Shaftesbury Square branch

On 1st January 1915 Keeling volunteered and enlisted into the 6th Bn. Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) with Service Number 2686. He later transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders.

G D Keeling - Medal Index Card

The Belfast News Letter of 8th October 1915 reported his address is recorded as 48 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast.

The London Gazette records a 2nd Lieutenant G D Keeling relinquishing his temporary commission as of 7th May 1916.

 The bank Staff Ledger records Keeling as re-joining the bank on 3rd July 1916 and was based again in Head Office.

 On 6th January 1917, Keeling volunteered again.

The picture on the Roll of Honour indicates that Keeling may have been awarded the Military Medal.

Military Medal

Keeling re-joined the Northern Bank on 3rd February 1919 at Head Office and was then transferred to Downpatrick (1919) and then back to Head Office (1919).

Northern Banking Company Limited, Downpatrick

Keeling is remembered on the Roll of Honour in St Jude's Parish Church, Belfast.

[Photo courtesy of John McCormick]

Keeling resigned from the bank on 28th February 1920 and 'left for Canada' to 'settle there' with other members of his family. His 'Passenger Declaration' card records George's occupation as a 'Bank Clerk' with an intention to start 'Farming or Lumber'.

G D Keeling - Passenger Declaration - 1920

G D Keeling - US & Canada Arrivals Card - 1920

The 1921 Canadian census records Keeling as living at house 400, 35 42 Cambridge Street, Vancouver, Canada with his mother, Elizabeth and siblings; Dorothy and Beatrice. His occupation is recorded as a Bank Cashier earning Cad$1,200.

On 14th march 1934 Keeling married Gladys Ruth Davey (Ancestry family tree). A son, Barry Dennison Keeling was born on 16th March 1944 (Ancestry family tree).

George Keeling died in Vancouver, Canada on 27th May 1966 aged 69.