14 Facts About Obadiah German

Obadiah German was an American lawyer and politician.

Obadiah German was most notable for his service as a US Senator from New York and Speaker of the New York State Assembly in 1819.

Obadiah German studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1792, and commenced practice in Norwich.

Obadiah German served one term, March 4,1809, to March 3,1815, and was not a candidate for reelection.

In 1812, Obadiah German was one of the founding trustees of Hamilton College.

Obadiah German was First Judge of the Chenango County Court from 1814 to 1819.

Obadiah German was a State militia officer, eventually becoming a major general.

Obadiah 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.

Obadiah German died on September 24,1842, in Norwich, New York.

Obadiah German was buried at North Norwich Cemetery in North Norwich, New York.

Obadiah German had seven children with his first wife, Mary Ann Lewis, known as Ann, who died in 1829.

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

Obadiah German 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.

Obadiah German is one of approximately 50 former senators for whom the US Senate's photo historian has no likeness on file.