Spaulding Family Biography

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Posted by Transcriber on Mon, 30 Oct 2000

Surnames: SPAULDING, STICKNER, CAMPBELL, OSBORN

Source: Biographical History of Clark and Jackson Counties, Wisconsin, published by The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, pages 241 & 242.

D. J. SPAULDING - No name is so prominently identified with the earliest history of Black River Falls as that of Jacob Spaulding, the father of the subject of this biography. The SPAULDING family is numbered among the pioneers of the Massachusetts Colony. The first American ancestor was Edward SPAULDING, who came to Braintree, Massachusetts, about the year 1633. The records of the colony show that he was made a freeman in 1640. His descendants became numerous in New England, and many of them took an active part in the settlement and development of the country.

Jacob SPAULDING was of the seventh generation in direct descent from Edward SPAULDING; he was born in Massachusetts in 1810, and is a son of Jeremiah SPAULDING. There were ten children in the family, all of whom except one daughter lived to maturity. Their names are: Isaac C. David, Jeremiah D., Mercy, Lois, Wealthy J., Elmira, Sarah P. and Jacob. The father was a stone mason by trade; he emigrated from Massachusetts to New York about 1830, and six years later went to Illinois. Jacob SPAULDING learned the trade of a millwright, and early in life was engaged in bridge building. He married Nancy Jane STICKNER, a native of the State of New York, and in 1836 accompanied his father's family to Warsaw, Illinois. The father died at Johnstown, New York, while on a visit there to his children.

In 1838, when the Indians ceded the lands along the Black River, Jacob SPAULDING became a member of the colony that made the first settlement that was permanent at Black River Falls; an attempt had been made as early as 1819, but the Indians had driven the would be colonists away. It would be impossible in a sketch of this character to give in detail the history of this settlement. Mr. SPAULDING became the most conspicuous and influential members returned to their former homes, and others settled elsewhere.

Mr. SPAULDING finally became sole owner of the fine water power on Black River, and of much of the adjacent property. He was a man of wonderful force of character and indomitable will. He continued a resident of Black River Falls, highly respected and esteemed, until his death, which occurred in January, 1876.

Dudley J. SPAULDING, son of the above, is one of three children, Mary and Angeline being the other two. He was born at Johnstown, New York in 1834, and when a mere lad was taken by his parents to Illinois, where the educational advantages were extremely limited. In early life he began the business of lumbering and farming, in both of which he achieved success. In 1860 his father deeded him the mill property and water power, which he has since owned. In all his business operations he has been uniformly successful, and as a business man he stands without a superior in the county. Of his ability as a designer and builder, Black River Falls bears many evidences. As a citizen, his record upon every question of public interest is above reproach. The church has in him a liberal supporter, and the public school a warm friend.

Mr. SPAULDING was united in marriage at Platteville, Wisconsin, to Miss Margaret J. CAMPBELL, a daughter of Alexander CAMPBELL. Five children have been born of this union: Julia E. Wife of C.D. OSBORN, of Chicago, John D., Mary C., Jennie May and Sadie K.

The parents are both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. SPAULDING in his political opinions sympathizes with the Republican Party.