This image of William C. Goodridge, freedman and businessman, is another
in the York Town Square series on important photos that tell York County's story... .

Goodridge's success as a former slave in 19th-century Pennsylvania attests
to his business acumen and, no doubt, unflinching support from some in a York
community sometimes unwelcoming to freedman. He drew on that support after his son,
Glenalvin, was incarcerated for rape. Even in the middle of the Civil War,
many in the community leadership successfully petitioned Pennsylvania Gov.
Andrew G. Curtin for a pardon. His retail enterprises also are representative
of the growth of the merchant-class in mid-19th-century York County.