In every community death is constantly taking toll from the living, and in the passing of George A. Spaulding on April 1, 1923, Utica lost one of her loyal sons and highly esteemed citizens and his family lost a devoted husband and father. He viewed life from an optimistic standpoint, finding it well worth the living, and his frank, genial nature and cheerful disposition made him an entertaining and desirable companion. For many years a traveling salesman, he became widely known and the circle of his friends was coextensive with that of his acquaintances.
George A. Spaulding was born in this city, on the 26th of November, 1856, and in the paternal line was a direct descendant of General Butterfield. His parents were George Washington and Victoria (Winston) Spaulding, the former of whom was a baker by trade. He obtained a common school education and as a young man went to New York city, securing a position with the Goodyear Rubber Company. He worked for the company in the eastern metropolis for some time and then returned to Utica. Subsequently Mr. Spaulding associated himself with the Goodyear Rubber Glove Company of New York city, which he represented for an extended period as a traveling salesman. For forty years he filled the position of commercial traveler, discharging his duties with thoroughness and efficiency, and succeeded in popularizing the firm's goods, securing many desirable customers in the territory which he covered. He visited many sections of the country, becoming well informed regarding trade conditions, and made friends wherever he went, being the possessor of a magnetic personality and pleasing manner, while he was also an expert salesman.
On September 26, 1882, Mr. Spaulding was married to Miss Adella Canaway of Utica, who survives him. They became the parents of a daughter, now Mrs. Norwood W. Blake and the mother of one child, Margaret Spaulding Blake, both of whom are eligible to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution through the Spaulding and Canaway families.
Mr. Spaulding was an enthusiastic disciple of Izaak Walton and had a summer home on the St. Lawrence river, where he spent many enjoyable seasons. He was a member of the Kuyahoora Fish and Gun Club and also belonged to the City Club. Along fraternal lines he was connected with the Masonic order, having membership in Anglo Saxon Lodge, No. 157, F. & A. M., of Brooklyn, New York; Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T.; and Ziyara Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He was affiliated with the First Presbyterian church of Utica and closely adhered to its teachings. Broad-minded, generous and kind-hearted, he numbered his friends by the hundreds, and the years served to strengthen his hold upon their affections, for his character unfolded as the petals of the rose, disclosing new beauties each day.