Getty was born in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, at the age of 16, and graduated 15th out of 42 graduates in the Class of 1840.
Getty lahir di Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Ia dimasukkan United States Military Academy di West Point, New York, pada usia 16 tahun, dan lulus dengan peringkat ke-15 dari 42 lulusan dalam Angkatan tahun 1840.