Obadiah Newcomb Bush (1797–1851) was an American prospector, businessman, and key figure in the Bush political family. Born in Penfield, New York, he was the father of James Smith Bush and the grandfather of business magnate Samuel Prescott Bush. As an abolitionist, he served as vice president of the American Anti-Slavery Society and supported the Underground Railroad. Bush also petitioned the New York State Legislature to secede from the Union in protest against slavery. In 1849, he ventured to California during the gold rush. He married Harriet Smith in 1821 and had seven children. Tragically, he passed away en route to the East Coast in 1851 and was buried at sea. His legacy lives on through his influential descendants, including former U.S. President George H. W. Bush, and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. Obadiah Newcomb Bush's dedication to social justice and his role in American history leave an enduring impact on the nation.

Obadiah Holmes (1610 – 15 October 1682) was an influential early Rhode Island settler and Baptist minister who faced persecution for his religious beliefs and activism. Born near Manchester, England, Holmes emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony and eventually settled in Newport, Rhode Island, where he served as the pastor of the Baptist Church for 30 years. His religious differences with the Rehoboth church and subsequent court trials led to his move to Newport, where he befriended prominent figures like John Clarke and John Crandall. Holmes' refusal to allow friends to pay his fine, following his apprehension in Massachusetts, resulted in his severe punishment of 30 lashes at the whipping post. Despite this, Holmes became the pastor of the Baptist church in Newport and held the position until his death in 1682. He and his wife Katharine had nine children, with eight surviving to adulthood. Holmes was also an ancestor of the 16th United States President, Abraham Lincoln. His journey from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony and subsequent settlement in Rhode Island exemplifies his enduring legacy in shaping religious freedom in early American history.

Obadiah German (April 22, 1766 – September 24, 1842) was a prominent American lawyer and politician known for his service as a U.S. Senator from New York (1809-1815) and as Speaker of the New York State Assembly in 1819. Born in Amenia, New York, German was a Democratic-Republican and held various positions in the New York State Assembly. Notably, he was a vocal critic of the lack of military preparations prior to the War of 1812 and voted against the war declaration. German also played a significant role in planning and overseeing the construction of the Erie Canal. He was a respected figure in his community and was known for his contributions to public service. German's legacy is commemorated with the town of German, New York, named in his honor. Despite his influential role in American politics, there are no known portraits of German. His personal life included two marriages and a total of nine children. After his death, his widow, Mary Ann Knight, faced financial struggles and was eventually confirmed as German's widow after her passing. German's impact on American history and politics is remembered and celebrated to this day.

Obadiah Gardner (September 13, 1852 – July 24, 1938) was an influential American politician from Maine, known for his membership in the Democratic Party and his service in the United States Senate. Born near Port Huron, Michigan, Gardner moved to Union, Maine at a young age and received his education there. He pursued studies at Eastman Business College in New York and the Coburn Classical Institute in Maine before delving into various business ventures, including agriculture, lumber, lime, and creameries. Gardner's political career saw him hold positions such as the chairman of the Board of State Assessors and the master of the Maine State Grange. Despite an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 1908, he was appointed and later elected as a Senator, representing Maine from 1911 to 1913. Following his political tenure, Gardner contributed to international relations as a member and chairman of the American delegation of the International Joint Commission. He retired in 1923 and passed away in Augusta, Maine. Obadiah Gardner is laid to rest in the Achorn Cemetery in Rockland.

Obadiah Johnson (1849–1920) was a renowned Saro figure, being the second Nigerian to qualify as a medical doctor and co-authoring the significant work, A History of the Yorubas from the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the British Protectorate, alongside his brother, Reverend Samuel Johnson. Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Johnson hailed from a liberated African family with origins in Nigeria and was an Omoba of the Kingdom of Oyo, descending from Alaafin Abiodun. He achieved his medical degrees from the University of Edinburgh and subsequently served as the Chief Medical Officer in Lagos. After a misfortune befell the original manuscripts of the history of the Yorubas, Johnson painstakingly rewrote the entire work based on his brother's notes and rough copies. His contributions extended beyond medicine and history, as he became an unofficial member of the Legislative Council of the Colony of Lagos and provided valuable advice during critical times. Johnson's legacy persisted even after his passing, with the publication of A History of the Yorubas from the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the British Protectorate in 1921, solidifying the Johnson brothers' esteemed positions in history.