George W. Courtney was born February 9, 1860, the second son of Alfred and Nancy Flewelling Courtney in Tilsonburg, Ontario, Canada. He worked with his father on the farm until at age 21, he moved to Grand Rapids, Wood County, Wisconsin, where he worked as a day laborer. There he met and married Frances “Della” Parker, daughter of Samuel Parker and Clara Snyder, in 1883. They made their home in Grand Rapids until 1908 when the couple moved to Milton Junction, Rock County, Wisconsin, where Mr. Courtney worked as a farmer until 1926 when he retired due to failing health. George W. Courtney died June 14, 1930; he is buried in the Milton cemetery.

George and Della had three children: Lettie (mar. Arthur Holmes), Alfred and Charles.