The De Witt C. Spaulding papers (0.1 linear feet and 42.5 MB) include scattered correspondence and miscellanea, digitized copies of Spaulding's compiled military service and pension records from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, and Spaulding's diary. The physical diary—dated from 1861 to 1864—provides information about Spaulding's Civil War experiences, including his capture and confinement at Andersonville Prison. A digital transcription of Spaulding's diary by Clare M. Cory is also present in this collection. It contains additional biographical and genealogical information, as well as images of Spaulding and his relatives.
Finally, the collection includes a DVD-R containing a transcription of the diary with additional biographical information and photos.
De Witt—also spelled DeWitt, Dewitt, and DeWit—Clinton Spaulding was born to Henry Spaulding and Ann Eliza (born Haskins) Spaulding on circa September 28, 1841 or 1842 in East Otto, New York. Spaulding resided in East Otto until circa June 1860, at which time he relocated to Detroit, Michigan. By 1861, he was listed as a resident of Genesee County, Michigan. Prior to his enlistment, he also worked as a farmer.
On August 15, 1861, Spaulding enlisted in the Union Army at Flint, Michigan, and joined Company G. of the Michigan 8th Infantry as a Private. He participated in several battles during his initial tour of duty—including the Battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg—and eventually attained the rank of Sergeant. After re-enlisting in December 1863, Spaulding fought in several additional battles. During the Battle of the Wilderness, Confederate soldiers captured him and he was eventually imprisoned at Georgia's Andersonville Prison (also known as Camp Sumter). After being held prisoner at Andersonville for several months, Spaulding was released. He returned to Detroit by early 1865, where he spent some time recovering at Harper Hospital. He rejoined the Michigan 8th Infantry that year and was discharged in Washington D.C. on July 30, 1865.
After the war, Spaulding held several positions, including as a lumber dealer. He also lived in various Michigan cities throughout his life, including Fenton, Wayne, and Detroit.
In 1867, Spaulding married Martha "Mattie" Barnes Clarke. They had a son, Ray Clarke Spaulding. After Martha's death, Spaulding married Isabell A. Ross in 1874. They had four children: Mattie Bell Spaulding, DeWitt Ross Spaulding, James Garfield Spaulding, and DeWitt Clinton Spaulding, Jr.
Spaulding died in Detroit on May 24, 1926.
