George F. Emery was born in in 1817 on Paris Hill. He practiced law in Oxford County and then in Portland. Emery served as the Clerk of the United States Court in Portland and then as the pension agent for the State of Maine. In 1876 he moved to Boston and became the President of Post Publishing Co., placing him in charge of the Morning Post.

Throughout his career, Emery wrote extensively on controversial issues, including the greenback agitation, slavery and temperance. He also wrote historical pieces. After returning to Portland in 1881, he practiced law until his death at the age of 87.