George Kilpatrick Getty was born on September 21, 1840 Craigs, County Antrim, Ireland which is located in what is now Northern Ireland of the United Kingdom. His parents were  James, Sr. and Matilda (McCaughey) Getty.

He was married to Naomi Russell who was born on April 18, 1846.

George and Naomi emigrated to the U.S. in 1852 and settled in Ridgeway, Lenawee County, Michigan in 1854. This was just at the end of the period known as the potato famine in Ireland.

After coming to America, George and Naomi had four children.

1. Bettie Elizabeth Getty (Born: 27 Oct 1864 Died: 08 Feb 1885)
2. Matilda Adeline Getty (Born: 17 Feb 1867 Died: 19 Feb 1883)
3. George Francis Getty (Born: 15 Jan 1869 Died: 24 Dec 1934)
4. Ervin Leonidas Getty

Naomi died on February 15, 1883. George then married Ellen Agnew who was born on May 26, 1850 and died March 27, 1906. They had no children.

George K. Getty passed away on March 1, 1907.