George was apparently born shortly after his older brother named Georg had passed away at age two. Using the same name again in such circumstances was not uncommon.

He attended middle school in Haugesund in 1912, spent 1913 and 1914 at St. Hans Haugen Secondary High School and took subjects at the University in Oslo the winter of 1914-1915. He also completed some practical courses such as gymnastics, music lessons, bookbinding and sports courses.

After studying at the university, he was at home in practical work for two years. Then from 1917 to 1927 he was a primary school teacher, eight of those years in Etne. After that he was a farmer at home, where he was well needed.