George Getty facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Getty
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George Getty, c. 1923
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George Franklin Getty
October 17, 1855 Allegany County, Maryland, United States
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| Died | May 31, 1930 (aged 74) Los Angeles, California, United States
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Ohio Northern University (BS) University of Michigan (JD) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Getty Oil |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Catherine McPherson Risher |
| Children | J. Paul Getty |
| Family | Getty |
George Franklin Getty (October 17, 1855 – May 31, 1930) was an American lawyer and a pioneer in the oil industry. He was the father of the famous businessman J. Paul Getty and the leader of the Getty family.
Contents
George Getty's Life and Career
George Getty was born in 1855 in Allegany County, Maryland. His family moved to Ohio shortly after he was born. When George was young, his father passed away.
Early Life and Education
George had to start working at a young age. Luckily, his uncle, Joseph Getty, helped him get money for school. George worked hard and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Northern University in 1879.
Later, George went to law school at the University of Michigan Law School. He became a lawyer in 1884. He then moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was known for its flour mills. There, he became a successful lawyer, focusing on insurance and business law.
George married Sarah Catherine McPherson Risher. In 1892, they had a son named Jean Paul Getty, who later became known as J. Paul Getty.
Becoming an Oil Pioneer
In 1904, George and his family moved from Minnesota to Oklahoma. This is where George started his new career in the oil business. He became an independent oilman, meaning he found and drilled for oil on his own.
Within just two years, George made a lot of money from his company, Minnehoma Oil Company. After becoming successful, he moved his family to Los Angeles, California.
Building Getty Oil
In 1913, George helped his son, Jean Paul, get started in the oil business. He lent Jean Paul money to invest in oil wells. By 1915, Jean Paul had already earned his first million dollars!
The next year, in 1916, George and Jean Paul officially started the Getty Oil Company. This company grew to become a very large and important oil business.
George F. Getty passed away in 1930. He left his company, "George F. Getty, Inc.", to his wife Sarah. The company was worth between $10 million and $15 million at the time. Even though his wife owned the company, Jean Paul Getty became its president.
George Getty's Grandson
George Franklin Getty also had a grandson named George Franklin Getty II (1924–1973). He was the eldest son of J. Paul Getty. George Franklin Getty II also worked as an executive in the Getty Oil company.
After his death, his home, Getty House, was given to the city of Los Angeles. Today, it serves as the official residence for the Mayor of Los Angeles.
