George H. Megquier was born September 20, 1844, in Maine, and when eight years old moved with his parents to Bangor. In 1855 they migrated to Eureka, Ill. After graduating in 1862 from the college of that place he enlisted in Company D, 108th Illinois infantry; he was promoted to lieutenant; afterwards served on the staff of Generals Baird and A. J. Smith, until the war closed. In the fall of 1865 he entered the Cleveland Law University, graduating in 1866 and the next year came to Minnesota. He married Laura Tillotson in 1869, and commenced the practice of law at Beaver Falls; was elected judge of probate in 1873 and the following year was chosen county attorney and superintendent of schools. In 1878 he removed to Bird Island.