George Washington Huntoon was born in Evanston in 1842. He was among the first to respond when the call for men to defend the Union came in 1861.” He enlisted in Company F, 8th Illinois Cavalry and served through the entirety of the war, participating in the battles of Gettysberg, Antietam, and Culpeper, among others. He was discharged in 1865 with the rank of Sergeant. 

Returning home, Huntoon married Louise Doretta Gamble, daughter of Brigadier General William Gamble. The family relocated to Lake Forest in 1900, where Huntoon and his son engaged in the bakery business. Huntoon was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, serving as junior vice-commander and inspector of the Illinois G.A.R.  He passed away in 1922, shortly after his 55th wedding anniversary, and was buried at Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago.