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George Franklin Getty

George Franklin Getty (1855–1930) was an American lawyer and oil businessman who began investing in Oklahoma oil in 1903 and founded Minnehoma Oil Company; he was the father of oil businessman and art collector J. Paul GettyJ. Paul GettyJ. Paul Getty (1892–1976) was an American oil businessman and art collector who held a controlling interest in the Getty Oil Company and founded the J. Paul Getty Museum; his bequest built the J. Paul Getty Trust after his death.Open the full entry.

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Key facts

1875–1879Studies at Ohio Northern University

George Franklin Getty was of Scottish descent and came from a farm family in eastern Ohio, beginning life with little money.⁠[1][2]

In 1875 he enrolled at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, with just enough money to get started in college; he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the university in 1879.⁠[2]

His wife, Sarah Catherine McPherson Risher (1852–1941), also attended the university from 1875 to 1878, and the two likely met as students.⁠[2][3]

Since 1879Earns a Law Degree and Practices in Minneapolis

After graduating from Ohio Northern University, he obtained a law degree from the University of Michigan and then practiced as a lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, building a lucrative corporate law practice.⁠[2][4]

He was also an insurance executive.⁠[3]

December 15, 1892Birth of His Only Son, J. Paul Getty

On December 15, 1892, his son with Sarah, J. Paul Getty, was born in Minneapolis; he was George Getty’s only son.⁠[3][2]

1903Invests in Oil and Founds Minnehoma Oil Company

In 1903 he visited oil-rich Osage land in what was then Indian Territory, after which he leased land and began drilling, launching his career in the petroleum industry.⁠[3]

That year he bought Oklahoma oil leases and formed Minnehoma Oil Company. He struck oil on the land, and the company’s investments helped develop oil areas including Bartlesville and Cushing.⁠[4][2][3]

1905Moves the Family to Los Angeles

In 1905 he moved his family from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, California.⁠[3][2]

1914–1916Works in Oil With His Son

In late 1914, after finishing his studies, J. Paul Getty joined his father’s business, buying and selling leases for Minnehoma’s Tulsa office. George Getty also made personal ventures into oil exploration and partnered with his son in Muskogee County.⁠[4]

1916–1930Supports His Alma Mater

In 1916 he delivered the commencement address at Ohio Northern University; from 1917 to 1930 he served as a trustee of the university, made several significant donations and received two honorary degrees from it, including an honorary Doctor of Laws in 1926. His son J. Paul Getty sometimes accompanied him on visits to Ada.⁠[2]

May 31, 1930Death

George Franklin Getty died on May 31, 1930, at age 74, after suffering a paralytic stroke. He left controlling interest in the family company to his wife, Sarah.⁠[2][3]

Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts

Ohio Northern University: Official website: https://www.onu.edu/ (opens in a new window)⁠[2]

Sources

  1. Business: Whale into Jonah? (opens in a new window)
  2. George F. Getty (opens in a new window)
  3. Finding Aid for the J. Paul Getty Family Collected Papers, circa 1880s-1989, undated (opens in a new window)
  4. Getty, Jean Paul (opens in a new window)