Born into slavery in 1805, William C. Goodridge was sent to York at age six to apprentice as a tanner. At age 16, he was given his freedom, left York, and trained as a barber before returning to York in the 1820s. After opening a barber shop on Centre Square, he became one of York's most successful businessmen, expanding his store to include imported toys, candies, perfumes, hair remedies, and other goods. He also became a property owner and developer, constructing York's first 4.5 story building and owning up to twelve properties at one time. Goodridge founded the Reliance Line of railcars, which eventually provided service between York and Philadelphia. Alongside his business ventures, he became prominent on the Underground Railroad, with his properties, including his house and Centre Hall on the Square, serving as stations. Runaway slaves were hidden in the root cellar of his home, accessible through a hidden door in the kitchen floor, and his railcars were also used to transport runaway slaves to safety. He remained a notable York resident until the mid-1860s, when he left to join family members in Minnesota and later Michigan.