George B. McCartee was born in 1832 in New York City and raised in New York.[1]
McCartee worked in various business interests in New York until moving to Iowa to work as a railway superintendent.[1] He settled in Salem, New York in 1858, becoming manager of a steam mill.[1]
McCartee then returned to Salem, New York, managing the Salem Pressnewspaper.[1] He later secured an appointment as paymaster of the New York State Capitol.[1]
McCartee died in Salem, New York in 1903 at age 70.[1]