Obadiah German

Obadiah German (April 22, 1766 – September 24, 1842) was an American lawyer and politician.

[1] Supporting DeWitt Clinton's Erie Canal project, German took part in planning and overseeing its construction after being appointed to the state Public Works Commission in 1817.

[4] German returned to the Assembly in 1819 as a member of the Clintonian faction of the Democratic-Republican Party and was chosen to serve as Speaker.

Mary Ann moved to Syracuse with their sons when they were young, while Obadiah continued to live in Norwich.

[10] She took up residence in Syracuse and became a public charge after being found "in a state of great destitution", her efforts at earning a living through painting and "fancy work" having failed.

[10] Her claim to be German's widow was not believed in Syracuse until it was confirmed after her death.