George was the son of Hannah Leiby and Simon Fetterman, born in Numidia, Locust Township, Columbia County, PA. About 1885, he married Sarah Alice, the daughter of Fianna Beaver and Samuel Frye. She was later adopted by Hannah and Samuel Beaver. They made their home in Union Township, Schuylkill County, PA, where in his early years, George worked as a timber man in the coal mines and the family lived on a farm. By 1920, George worked as a farmer on his farm.

Of this marriage, ten children were born:

1. Ella;
2. William O.;
3. Franklin G.;
4. Sarah E.;
5. Edith May;
6. Emma C.;
7. John A.;
8. Charles E.;
9. Arlie; and
10. Lester N.