Oliver L. Spaulding

Oliver Lyman Spaulding (August 2, 1833 – July 30, 1922) was a soldier and politician from the U.S. state of Michigan. Early life and education Spaulding was born in Jaffrey, New Hampshire on August 2, 1833. He completed preparatory studies, graduated from Oberlin College of Ohio in 1855, and moved to Michigan where he taught school. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1858 and commenced practice in St. Johns, Michigan. He was regent of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor from 1858 to 1864. Career During the Civil War, Spaulding served in the Union Army as a captain in the 23rd Michigan Infantry Regiment. He eventually was promoted to colonel and later was brevetted brigadier general. Afterwards he resumed the practice of law in St. Johns. Spaulding served as Michigan Secretary of State from 1866 to 1870. Afterwards, he became a member of the Republican State committee from 1871 to 1878. He declined the position of United States district judge of the Utah Territory in 1871 and later served as special agent of the United States Treasury Department from 1875 to 1881.