Papers, 1870?-1946.

ArchivalResource

Goodell, William, 1792-1878. Papers, 1870?-1946.

Papers, 1870?-1946.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/261233178

The collection contains autobiographical and biographical materials about William Goodell. The highlight is two chapters, and a bit of a third, of his autobiography, the date of composition of which is unknown. The first chapter describes the neighborhood in which the family lived when he was born and his memory of learning hymns from his mother. The second chapter is almost entirely about his ancestors, not just names, but stories about them as well. On page 35, there begins an account of his grandfather's encounters with the Shakers who lived near New Lebanon, New York, including meeting Mother Ann Lee. The Shaker village itself is not described, but their blessings before meals, their ways of worship, and their whirling dances are. As well, he describes the effects the Shakers had their neighbors. Several of Goodell's relatives joined the Shaker community for a brief time. The fragment of the third chapter is about his parents' marriage and where they lived. Accompanying this autobiography were some poems or hymns written by Goodell in 1807. The collection also includes photocopies of biographical and autobiographical materials from the William Goodell family papers in the library of Berea College, a biographical sketch written by Wesley P. Frost and published by the Oswego (N.Y.) Historical Society, and an engraved portrait of Goodell.

5 folders : ill. ; 36 cm. or smaller.

Winterthur Library