Re: Edward SPALDING & Margaret, Braintree MA

There are several fanciful accounts of Edward Spalding's origin.It appears pretty clear that he does come from the area of Redenhall, Norfolk and was the Edward Spalding bp. Alburgh, Norf. 10 May 1601, son of Edward and Dionis (Moullinge) Spalding.

The younger Edward mar. in Redenhall 18 Sep. 1623 Margaret Elyot.Various conflicting accounts have been published Savage’s Genealogical Dictionary says “SPAULDING, EDWARD, Braintree, by w. Margaret, prob. had John, b. a. 1633; Edward, a. 1635; and Grace, the latter bur. May 1641. His w. d. Aug. 1640, and by ano. w. he had Benjamin, b. 7 Apr. 1643; Joseph, 25 Oct. 1646; Dinh, 14 Mar. 1649; and Andrew, 19 Nov. 1652; was freem. 13 May 1640, rem. to Wenham 1654, hav. nine yrs. bef. project. with other Braintree people the settlem. in the domain of Pomham and other Ind. friends in R. I. thence soon aft. to Chelmsford, there d. 26 Feb. 1670. His will of 13 Feb. 1667, in wh. Benjamin is not ment. made w. Rachel Extrix. but she d. soon aft. him, [p.146] and on prob. of the will 5 Apr. 1670, admin. was giv. to John and Edward.”

After marriage, the family seems to have gone first to Dickleburgh, Norf. where Edward Spaldinge and Margaret had:
i.       John, bp. 1 Mar. 1628/8 Dickleburgh, Norf., apparently died young.
ii.       Samuel, bp. 5 Oct. 1630
iii.       John, bp. 14 Apr. 1633
iv.       Edward, bp. 5 July 1635
v.       Hester, bp. 25 Jan. 1637/8, bur.16 July 1638

Note that sons John and Edward are the correct ages for the sons of Edward of Braintree and Chelmsford, MA.

The father, Edward Sr. mar. Redenhall 21 Sep. 1598 Diane Moullinge.He was bur. Redenhall 30 May 1626; widow Dinah Spalden was bur. 2 Mar. 1638/9.