Born in Ohio, Dr. Samuel Gregg George saw action in the Mexican War. After studying medicine, he started a practice in Visalia about 1855. He served in the Indian War of 1856 and, as a loyal Union man, kept an eye on the Secesh in Tulare, Kern and Coso for Union Army intelligence. He found gold and silver in the Coso, explored Death Valley, and filed magnesite claims in the Porterville hills. His activities were widely reported in the press. He married the Widow Wilcox in 1876, moved his practice to Porterville, and made his home at this location. He died in 1905 at 91 and is buried in the Porterville Cemetery.