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George McNutt, was one of the Directors of the Darling mill Co., Fremont, he was born in Mahoning Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, 1841. His parents, Alexander and Frances (Shellenberger) McNutt, were natives of Ohio; they first settled in Mahoning County, where they lived for about 30 years, then moved to Ashtabula County, where they remained until their death.
George received a good common-school education in his Native State, and when only 21 years old the Southern Rebellion broke out in all its horrors. The first shot at Fort Sumter sent an electric thrill through every loyal heart in the North, and immediately, irrespective of party, the cry went up for vengeance. They abandoned the field of argument and ceased to discuss measures and plans for the peaceable restoration of the National authority in the revolted States, and with singular unanimity and determination accepted the issues of war as the only means left to save and perpetuate the National existence, and the priceless liberties so long enjoyed. It was to preserve the flag which Washington loved, and which Jackson, Scott and Taylor with so many glorious triumphs defended, that the question "Who can go?" Arose instead of "Who will go?" Acts of true patriotism were to be seen on all sides, where men left mother, father, wife and children, and their business interests to keep the flag a union flag. Those brave men were stirred with this patriotism which, wherever it prevails in its genuine vigor and extent, swallows up all sordid and selfish regards, conquers the love of ease, power, pleasure and wealth; and when the partialities of friendship, gratitude and even family ties come in competition with it, it prompts a sacrifice of all in order to maintain the rights and promote the honor and happiness of our country.
The true sentiments of patriotism are within their breasts today as when they left mother, father, wife and family for the front. Wherever they are found, in all questions of National or State import it springs forth. It is not spasmodic in its action, blazing forth only as in a comet's erratic course, in times of public trials or danger, upon great occasions and upon great incentive, but it is a rule of conduct, constant, equable, incorruptible and enduring. Wealth cannot bribe it. Power cannot seduce it. Ambition cannot blind it. Friendship cannot swerve it from justice. Fear cannot intimidate it nor injustice swerves it, nor bribery corrupts or enervates it. We speak only of those men who volunteered from the inspiration of patriotism, as George McNutt did. To such brave, true hearted men too many honors can never be given. He enlisted Aug. 19, 1861, in the 29th Ohio Inf., and served until the close of the war, over four years, and received an honorable discharge at Cleveland, Ohio. He participated in 14 heavy battles, besides numerous smaller ones; among them was the battle of Winchester. He was wounded in the arm and side at the battle of Fort Republic, and was wounded in the side at Dallas, Ga. He was in the hospital only three days during his service in the army, but was unfit for duty nearly three months.
After his discharge he engaged in the saw-milling business at Berlin, Ohio, for nearly a year, and in the fall of 1866 came to Michigan, first settling in Allegan County, where he was employed by h. F. marsh, Jr., of Allegan, six years, in the lumber business. He was then employed by the Chicago & West Michigan railroad Company, as bill clerk, at Pentwater, where he remained for nearly a year and a half, and was then appointed station agent at Fremont, which position he filled about two years, after which he was appointed passenger conductor on the same road, filling the position for seven years, constantly on one train. He was then promoted division Superintendent, which position he resigned in the spring of 1883, to engage in the milling business. He is now a partner in the Darling Milling Company.
He was married in Pierpont, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, July 2, 1865, to Eunicia, daughter of Paul and Sarah Howland, a native of Ashtabula Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McNutt had three children: Gertrude E. and Maud E. and George. Mr. McNutt was a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 180, F. & A. M., of Fremont, and of Pilgrim Commandery No. 23, of Big Rapids. In politics he was a staunch Republican.
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