Spalding Memorial

Spalding Memorial At last, after 100 years, the Spalding Memorial is available once again! A fine heirloom - one that every Spalding/Spaulding family should have...
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The Spalding Memorial was originally compiled and published in 1872 by the Rev. Samuel J. Spalding of Newburyport, Massachusetts. After his death in 1892, Charles Warren Spalding began the revision which took three years to complete. This massive production contains 1320 pages and over 15,000 names, with illustrations of various coats of arms and numerous steel engravings of members of the Spalding family. At the time of publication, it was said to be...

"The largest and most complete genealogical work ever published in America."

The first authentic record of the Spalding family appears in the Virginia Colonial Records, 1619-1680. Evidence indicated that Edward Spalding arrived with Sir George Yeardley in or about 1619 to join the Virginia Colony. In this year, several families immigrated to the Virginia Colony, induced by a promise of prosperity from the company; prior to this time, the colony consisted of mostly males. On March 22, 1622, following an Indian massacre which devastated the colony, a census was ordered. The census records of February 16, 1623 include in a "List of the Living," both an Edward Spalding (at "James Citie") and an Edmund Spalden (at "Elizabeth Cittie"). Some years later, it is assumed that Edward Spalding joined the Massachusetts Bay Colony, while Edmund joined the Maryland Colony under Lord Baltimore. The Spalding Memorial was dedicated to these two brothers and their descendants.

Years of research have not helped us confirm that Edward of Virginia is indeed Edward of Chelmsford, MA. And, no further evidence of Edmund has surfaced. A Thomas Spalding is now known to be the progenitor of the Maryland branch of the family documented in Appendix III of the Spalding Memorial. This illustrious line has been researched by various family members, from which we have developed an extensive lineage.

Each record in the Spalding Memorial signifies diligent and extensive research through the use of various libraries, including the National and State official records. Personal records include dates of births, marriages and deaths, occupations, military services rendered, education, and additional narratives on many family members.

As to the spelling of the name -- Spalding, Spaulding, Spalden, Spoldin -- we know that the Christian name was frequently altered at the will and taste of those to whom it belonged. Readers will find the discussion of the origin and spelling of the Spalding name quite interesting. In addition, the Spalding Memorial provides a unique view of early American history through the narratives of various family members.

Excerpts from the Spalding Memorial and More...