----Source: 1881 HISTORY OF NORTHERN WI, Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A. T. Andreas, Proprietor (grammar as is), Pg. 576

GEORGE W. GHOCA, proprietor and landlord of the Colby House, Marathon, was born in Lockport, Jefferson Co., NY, March 15, 1845. He came to Wisconsin in 1867, locating in Portage County, at Stevens Point, where he remained till 1873, when he came to Colby, putting up the first store building in the place. In 1874, he built the Colby House, and the same year he built another hotel in Spencer. He enlisted, in 1861, in the 1st NY Light Art., Bat. C, and came home a sergeant. In 1875, he was appointed Chairman of the Town Board. In 1877, he was elected Chairman of the Board, and again in 1878. That Fall was elected Sheriff of Marathon County, and is now on the Board of 1881. He belongs to the Masons, being the first Master of the Colby Lodge, and belongs to the Chapter and Commandery at Stevens Point. In 1868, March 7, he married Miss Elizabeth A. Sterling. They had three children, Mary N., Allen adopted Edith, deceased and Ora Merle.