Obadiah Newcomb Bush was an American prospector and businessman.
Background
Born in Penfield, New York, Obadiah was the
son of blacksmith Timothy Bush the Younger (1761–1850), and Lydia Newcomb
grandson of Timothy Bush Senior (1735–1815) (who is more notable as an American Revolution militia captain, since usually given the name "Timothy Bush" in the family), and Deborah House
great-grandson of Richard Bush and Mary Fairbanks
great-great-grandson of Samuel Bush I (1647–1733)
great-great-great grandson of John Bush (1593–1670), his last Old World ancestor.
Career
Ancestry Obadiah left home during the War of 1812. They had seven children, among them James Smith Bush. In Rochester, New York, he became a schoolmaster and was on a committee that nominated candidates for justice of the peace.
He served as vice president of the American Anti-Slavery Society and supported the Underground Railroad.
He petitioned the New York State Legislature to secede from the Union in a protest against slavery, after which The Rochester Daily Advertiser accused him of encouraging anarchy. After two years, he was on his way home to reclaim his family and take them west, when he died aboard the ship and was given a sea burial.
