Obediah Barber was born July 25,1825 in Bryan County, Georgia the son of Isaac and Frances Barber and grandson of Moses Barber.

Obediah was one of the best-known frontiersmen, nature-lover and natural zoologist of his day in Southeast Georgia. In his young days he was a giant physically and was known locally as "King of the Okefenokee."

He was married first to Nancy Stephens the daughter of Isham Stephens of Tattnall County. Their eleven children were: Julia Ann, James Israel, Laura E., William A., Elizabeth, Mary Marjory, Nancy Angeline, Lydia Lavina, Edmond O. Charlotte, and Ella Barber. Julia Ann Barber, the oldest daughter, married Noah Altman and they were the great grandparents of Cecil F. Altman.

After the death of his first wife Obediah was married to Matilda Tatum, the daughter of George and Sarah Tatum of Ware County. Matilda died in 1898. Their nine children were: Perry, Rosa, Charles, Cleveland, Virginia, John, Samuel J., Lucinda, and Lee Barber.

Obediah's third wife was Martha Ann Kight. There were no children by that marriage.

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