The story of William C.Goodridge begins in Maryland. He was most likely born in 1806; his mother and grandmother were slaves owned by Charles Carroll, a Maryland plantation owner who had signed the Declaration of Independence. The identity of William's white father is not known. There has been speculation that William's father was a Carroll, but others have said that the sale of William's mother to a prominent physician in Baltimore suggests that his father may have been the doctor. It is not clear why William chose to go by the name Goodridge, which in many early documents is spelled "Goodrich."

Unfortunately, not very much is known about Goodridge's early years. We do know that at an early age the Baltimore physician apprenticed him to Reverend William Dunn in Pennsylvania. At Reverend Dunn's tannery, Goodridge learned the trade of a tanner, and he received some schooling plus food and shelter. It was agreed that the apprenticeship would end and he would be granted his freedom, a change of clothing, and a Bible on his 21^st birthday, but at the age of 16, William was granted his freedom. It is speculated that Reverend Dunn's business failed around that time causing Goodridge's freedom to come earlier than expected. Goodridge is said to have left York around 1822, and he learned the barber trade, possibly in Marietta, Pennsylvania. He returned to York between 1823 and 1825 and opened a barber shop on Centre Square, known today as Continental Square.

Historically, many free blacks became barbers. It is also known that their clientele was very diverse, and so successful barbers like Goodridge were able to interact with successful white citizens. According to research, Goodridge's interaction with successful white businessmen allowed him to form relationships that informed his business decisions. It is known that Goodridge conducted real estate transactions with successful white businessmen. These transactions may have been a result of the relationships Goodridge built with his white clientele, who came to trust and respect him.

This barbershop would serve as a springboard for the Goodridge family in their entrepreneurial ventures. As the Goodridge barber shop prospered, he ventured into retail, selling hand made candies, wooden toys, various fruits, jewelry, watches, and a wide variety of other items. A popular product widely advertised and sold by Goodridge was his hair treatment for baldness. The product advertised as "Oil of Celsus and Balm of Minerva" was distributed on a wholesale basis in several cities. Goodridge is also credited with introducing the sale of daily newspapers in York.

Around 1842, ads for the Goodridge Reliance Line of Burthen Cars began running in York newspapers. Goodridge’s rail line offered service between York, Philadelphia, and more than 20 other cities. Goodridge operated this business until at least 1851 when newspaper advertisements for the Goodridge Reliance Line services came to an end. Apart from being a retailer of various commodities, Goodridge owned about twenty commercial and residential properties in York. In 1847, he built a five-story building known as Centre Hall - the tallest building in York at the time.

Other business ventures he advertised included his bathing establishments and the exhibition of a Christmas tree in his primary residence. Goodridge clearly understood the power of advertising and used it to draw people to his businesses.

It seems that William C. Goodridge spent his remaining years in Minnesota with his daughter Emily’s family. He died in St. Anthony, Minnesota, on January 15, 1873. He was buried at Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery. William C. Goodridge died an accomplished man: he and his wife Evalina raised a successful family, and he was known as one of the most prominent black men of his generation. His greatest legacy today is his involvement with the Underground Railroad.