Hutchins Library
Special Collections & Archives
Library Catalog (BANC) |  Subject Guides |  Electronic Resources |   Full Text Journals |  Berea Digital
Home > Special Collections & Archives > Historical Collections
 
Guide to the William Goodell Family Papers, 1780-1878 - Series I.A-I.B
 

Accession Number: HC 4
William Goodell Family Papers
Papers, 1780-1892
Bulk dates: 1820-1878
6.2 linear feet
Online Catalog Record (BANC)

Overview
Series Description
Series I - William Goodell Documents - Overview

Series II - Goodell Family Papers -Overview

Access and Use

Provenance: Following his mother's death in in Berea in 1899, William Goodell Frost, third president of Berea College, placed the Goodell family papers in the Berea College Library (some had already been donated to Oberlin College while he was a faculty member there.). His mother, Maria Goodell Frost, was the daughter of William and Clarissa Goodell and sister to Lavinia Goodell.

Access: All of the archival materials described below may be accessed online through the portal entitled "Slavery, Abolition and Social Justice: 1490-2007," hosted by Adam Matthew Digital and available through participating libaries. There are no restrictions on the collection other than federal copyright regulations.
Preferred Citation: The William Goodell Family Papers, Berea College Special Collections & Archives, Berea, KY.

Related Archives

  • HC 03 - The Antislavery Collection
  • RG 1 - Founders & Founding, BCA
  • RG 3.03 - William G. Frost Papers
  • William Goodell Family Papers (RG 30/29), Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.

Back to Top

Overview

The William Goodell Family Papers consist of correspondence, writings, sermons and addresses, diaries, and biographical material of abolitionist editor, writer, and speaker William Goodell (1792-1878), his wife Clarissa, and his two daughters, Maria Goodell Frost (1826-1899) and Lavinia Goodell (1839-1880). Like their parents, the Goodell daughters supported the temperance and antislavery movements, but also sought equal rights for women and, in Lavinia's case, prison reform. Lavinia Goodell is noteworthy as the first woman to gain recognition as a lawyer in the state of Wisconsin.

History

William Goodell, a native of New York, was a prominent 19th century abolitionist and temperance reformer. He either edited or published such reform-minded publications as The Investigator and General Intelligencer, Friend of Man, Christian Investigator, and Principia. Although never ordained, he founded a church in Honeoye, New York, in 1842, based on the principles of emancipation, prohibition and church reform. Goodell was among those who organized the American Missionary Society and the National Prohibition Party. In 1870 he and his wife, Clarissa Cady Goodell, removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, home of their two daughters, where he remained until his death. The collection includes over 380 of Goodell's sermons and addresses; correspondence with family, colleagues, and such prominent abolitionists as Gerrit Smith, Lewis Tappan, Henry Stanton, Lysander Spooner, Charles Torrey, and Henry Stanton; and various writings. Included in Goodell's writings are manuscripts of Moral Excellence: The Highest Good; Moral Right, The Highest Law; The Theology of Jesus Christ; and Congregationalism, which were never published. Also present are smaller writings on anti-slavery and temperance, as well as many poems.

Clarissa Maria Goodell Frost, eldest daughter of William and Clarissa Goodell, was the mother of Berea College's third president-William G. Frost. Like her father, Maria was an advocate of both abolitionist and temperance reform. She was also active in the women's suffrage movement. Included in the collection are Mrs. Frost's personal diaries of the years 1874, 1877, and 1879-1884; an unpublished manuscript on the life of her sister, Lavinia Goodell; a Temperance Essay; and an article entitled "Ten Reasons Why Women Should Vote." Correspondence includes letters to and from Mrs. Frost's husband, Rev. Lewis Frost; her son, Lewis Clayton Frost; other family members; and her publisher.

Rhoda Lavinia Goodell, the younger daughter of William and Clarissa Goodell, became, in 1874, the first woman lawyer admitted to the Wisconsin bar. Her papers include 6 personal diaries (1873, 1874, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880) which document her day-to-day activities, and extensive correspondence with family and friends. Also present is a brief Miss Goodell presented before the Wisconsin State Supreme Court, an essay, "The Responsibility of the North for Slavery," and other miscellaneous writings.

Back to Top

Series Description
19 Manuscript Boxes, 9 linear feet

 

Box List

Series I William Goodell Documents - Overview Boxes 1-11b

Includes Writings, Sermons and Addresses, Correspondence and Anti-slavery documents from William Goodell. All of this series relates to Goodell's work as a temperance and anti-slavery reformer, journalist, and minister.

Sub-series I.A Writings Boxes 1-3

These documents by William Goodell include notes, essays, poems, and a book-length manuscript that remained unpublished.

Box 1

  1. The Theology of Jesus Christ
  2. Analogies of the Sciences
  3. Metaphysics; Theology; Ethics; Spiritual Religion
  4. The Song of the Ages or Human Redemption and Progress
  5. Letters to the Young
  6. Congregationalism

Box 2 - Writings

  1. Manuscript on Temperance
  2. Memoranda, Extracts, and Notes Upon Prof. Schuff's "History of the Apostolic Church.
    3. "
  3. Anti-slavery--political endeavors
  4. Prohibition
  5. Poetry
  6. Poetry
  7. Poetry
  8. Untitled (Incomplete)
  9. Outline for Untitled work
  10. Miscellaneous
  11. Miscellaneous

Box 3 - Manuscript

  1. Moral Excellence, The Highest Good: Moral Right, the Highest Law; And Surest Expediency—Utilitarianism Unmasked.

Top of List

Sub-series I.B Sermons and Addresses Boxes 4-10

Although Goodell never went to seminary and was never ordained, he formed a church in New York state, based on an evangelical understanding of Christianity but not restricted to one denomination. Freedom from denominational control meant the congregation was also free to receive persons of color and oppose slaveholding as a sinful practice. This series includes numerous sermons prepared for the church in Honeyeye, as well as addresses prepared for reform-minded audiences elsewhere, or for conferences or conventions.

Box 4 - Sermons and Addresses, n.d. - 1843

  1. Hymns, n.d.
  2. Hymns (composed by Benjamin Cleveland), n.d.
  3. Untitled, n.d.
  4. Untitled, n.d.
  5. Untitled, n.d.
  6. Untitled, n.d.
  7. The Friendship of Christ, n.d.
  8. Syracuse Convention, n.d.
  9. Exposition of John, Chapter 4, n.d.
  10. On Slavery, n.d.
  11. Puseyism, n.d.
  12. The Great Inquiry, n.d.
  13. Christ the All Sufficent Strength of the Christians, n.d.
  14. The Christianity of Christ, n.d.
  15. Slavery, What Can We Do?, n.d.
  16. Wesley's Plain Account of Christian Reflection, n.d.
  17. Constitutional Argument on Slavery, n.d.
  18. Good Men Are God's Witnesses, n.d.
  19. Funeral Service - It Is Wel,l n.d.
  20. The Position of the Churches in Regard to Slavery, n.d.
  21. The Salvation of Souls, n.d.
  22. Is Civil Government a Science?, n.d.
  23. The Prospects and Privileges of the Christian, n.d.
  24. Evils of Moderate Drinking--Greater Than Those of Drunkeness, n.d.
  25. Exposition of I John Chapter 4, n.d.
  26. Bible Exercise I John Chapter 3, n.d.
  27. The Atonement of Christ, n.d.
  28. A True Church, the World's Last Hope, n.d.
  29. The Parable of the Sower, n.d.
  30. Funeral of Dr. Hall, n.d.
  31. Sunday School Comfort for the Mourning, n.d.
  32. The Excuses of the Disobedient, n.d.
  33. Cleansing of the Sanctuary, n.d.
  34. The True and the False Church, n.d.
  35. What Do Ye More Than Others, n.d.
  36. On Baptism, n.d.
  37. Spirituality--the True and the Counterfeit, n.d.
  38. Foundations of True Fellowship, n.d.
  39. Christian Stability, n.d.
  40. The Sure Triumph of the True Church, n.d.
  41. Untitled, n.d.
  42. Untitled, n.d.
  43. Religion and Revivals of Religion, n.d.
  44. Uses and Abuses of This World, n.d.
  45. Untitled, n.d.
  46. Untitle,d n.d.
  47. Untitled, n.d.
  48. Harmony of Christians With Christ, n.d.
  49. Memo of Western Tour, n.d.
  50. Peace in the Church, n.d.
  51. Distinction Between the Church and the World, n.d.
  52. Sectarianism and Christian Union, n.d.
  53. The Written, n.d.
  54. Propositions Concerning the Existence of God, Discussion with W. Smith, n.d.
  55. Natural and Moral Goods, n.d.
  56. Love Never Faileth, n.d.
  57. Worldly Wisdom, n.d.
  58. Memos of Preaching-Honeoye & Various Places, 1843-56
  59. Sermon by James Porter, 1823
  60. Outlines of Sermons Heard, 1824
  61. The Duty of _________, 1841
  62. Address to the Female Anti-Slavery Society, 1843
  63. Activity and Dependence, 1843
  64. Temperance, 1843
  65. Strait Gate and Broad Way, 1843
  66. Expositon Matthew 23, 1843
  67. Character of the Pharisees, 1843
  68. Half-way Religionists, 1843
  69. Holding the Truth in the Abstract, 1843
  70. Acquaintance With God, 1843
  71. The Love of Popular Applause Fatal to Fidelity, 1843
  72. Piety Without Humanity Impossible, 1843
  73. The Scriptures, 1843
  74. The Law the Instrument of Conversion, 1843
  75. Institution of the Lord's Supper, 1843
  76. The Sin, the Excuses, and the Doom of Egypt, 1843
  77. Human Chattlehood, 1843
  78. Thoughts on Church Reform, 1843

Top of List

Box 5 - Sermons & Addresses, 1844 - 1846
  1. Public and Social Religion, 1844
  2. Temperance, 1844
  3. Untitled, 1844
  4. The Unity of Christians, 1844
  5. Untitled, 1844
  6. Mischiefs or False Religions, 1844
  7. Cleansing of the Sanctuary, 1844
  8. All Christians Should Become Teachers, 1844
  9. Communion Season in Heaven, 1844
  10. Mutual and Social Exhortation, 1844
  11. Blessings of Self-denial and Miseries of Selfishness, 1844
  12. Zion Built in Answer to Prayer, 1844
  13. Discussion on Perfections, 1844
  14. All Men Dead in Sin Without Christ, 1844
  15. The Duty of Choosing Just Rulers, 1844
  16. The Election of Grace, 1844
  17. Regeneration or New Birth, 1844
  18. Thanksgiving, 1844
  19. Untitled, 1844
  20. Evangelical Humility, 1844
  21. Untitled, 1845
  22. Untitled, 1845
  23. The Omnipresence of God, 1845
  24. Justification by Faith, 1845
  25. Untitled, 1845
  26. Apostacies Amid Great Moral and Spiritual Achievements, 1845
  27. Symmetry in Religion, 1845
  28. Untitled, 1845
  29. The Secret and the Superiority of Spiritual Strength, 1845
  30. Christians Love One Another, 1845
  31. Morality and Religion, 1845
  32. Untitled, 1845
  33. Christian Composure in Times of Confusion, 1845
  34. Funeral of Mrs. G. Weller, 1845
  35. Christians-Members of Each Other, 1845
  36. Universal Obedience, 1845
  37. Scriptural Repentence, 1845
  38. Anti-Slavery Lecture, 1845
  39. Exposition of Hebrews, 3-6 1845
  40. Theology A Science, 1845
  41. Untitled, 1845
  42. Organic Sins, 1845
  43. Christ, Precious to Believers, 1845
  44. Untitled, 1845
  45. Untitled, 1845
  46. The Reproach of Christ, 1845
  47. Untitled, 1845
  48. Thanksgiving, 1845
  49. The Proper Business of Civil Goods 1845
  50. Christ's Prohibition of Kingly Dominion, 1846
  51. Funeral of Mrs. Reynolds and John Jacklane, 1846
  52. Untitled, 1846
  53. Untitled, 1846
  54. Philosophy of Utility and Demonolatry, 1846
  55. Practical Atheism, 1846
  56. Putting the Tent Toward Sodom, 1846
  57. The Religion of Inquiry, 1846
  58. Untitled, 1846
  59. Faith and Works, 1846
  60. Mutual Self-Flattery, 1846
  61. Inconsistency-Its Evils and Its Remedy, 1846
  62. Persecutors and Persecuted Death of Torry, 1846
  63. God Our Father, 1846
  64. The Strivings of the Spirit, 1846
  65. Peculiar Character of the Righteous, 1846
  66. The World Hates Christians, 1846
  67. War, 1846
  68. Funeral of Mr. Watkins, 1846
  69. A Christian Spirit, 1846
  70. Untitled, 1846
  71. Peculiarities?, 1846
  72. The Mission of the Church, 1846
  73. Christian Politics, 1846
  74. Untitled, 1846
  75. The Remedy for Moral Desolations, 1846
  76. Exposition and Application-Isaiah 2, 1846
  77. The Worship of Devils, 1846
  78. The Present, 1846

Top of List

Box 6 - Sermons & Addresses, 1847 - 1849
  1. Union Between Christ and His Disciples, 1847
  2. Stumbling Blocks to be Removed, 1847
  3. Funeral of B. Stewart, 1847
  4. Funeral of Mrs. Gravek, 1847
  5. Untitled, 1847
  6. Untitled, 1847
  7. Christian Manliness and Maturity, 1847
  8. Heart Determines the Character, 1847
  9. Civil Government, A Science, 1847
  10. Untitled, 1847
  11. The Propitiatory Sacrifice, 1847
  12. The Law Established by the Fruit of the Gospel, 1847
  13. Theology of the Right, 1847
  14. Prayer, 1847
  15. The Supreme Goods, 1847
  16. Locality of Effort, 1847
  17. The Nature of the Conditions of True Liberty, 1847
  18. Untitled, 1847
  19. Prejudice-Can Any Good Thing Come Out of Nazareth?, 1847
  20. Of Gifts and Offices in the Church, 1847
  21. The Dangers of Riches, 1847
  22. Unnoticed Progress of Christ's Kingdom, 1847
  23. Abiding in Christ, 1847
  24. Alms Giving and Martyrdom Without Charity, 1847
  25. Thanksgiving, 1847
  26. Fragmentary Religion, 1848
  27. The Unfruitful Fig Tree, 1848
  28. Forgiveness and Punishment, 1848
  29. Christians Less Sagacious Than Worldly, 1848
  30. Character, 1848
  31. Christian Expediency, 1848
  32. Invitation of Christ's Self-Denial, 1848
  33. Forsaking Christ, 1848
  34. Funeral of William Noble, 1848
  35. Walking by Faith, 1848
  36. Untitled, 1848
  37. Christ's Test of Wisdom and Folly, 1848
  38. Man's Need of Forgiving Mercy From His Maker, 1848
  39. Penitence of Christians, 1848
  40. Untitled, 1848
  41. Christians Should Agree in Their Religious Sentiments, 1848
  42. Intelligent Worship, 1848
  43. The Sin of Schism (slavery), 1848
  44. Funeral of Asa Kennedy, 1848
  45. Death Comes in Consequence of Sins-Funeral of William Arnold's Child, 1848
  46. Funeral of William Clement's Infant Child, 1848
  47. By Whom Shall Jacob Arise-For He Is Small, 1848
  48. God a Moral Governor, 1848
  49. False Professors Know Not 'The Signs of the Times', 1848
  50. Times of Apostacy, Times of Temptation and How to Resist Them, 1848
  51. Christianity Without Approbation, 1848
  52. Miracles, 1848
  53. Miracles, 1848
  54. The Study of God's Works, 1848
  55. Prayer-A Power of Accomplishment, 1848
  56. The Prayer of Penitence, 1848
  57. Servile Worship, 1848
  58. Christ the Supreme Head of the Church, 1849
  59. Funeral of Infant Child of W. Bray-The Benevolence of God in Causing Afflictions, 1849
  60. Example of Christ, 1849
  61. Christianity is a Religion of Benevolence, 1849
  62. The In-Dwelling Savior, 1849
  63. Untitled, 1849

Top of List

Box 7 - Sermons & Addresses, 1849 - 1850

  1. Pride vs. Integrity, 1849
  2. Untitled, 1849
  3. Confession and Repentence the Conditions of Mercy, 1849
  4. The Excuses of Impenitent Sinners, 1849
  5. Spiritual Blindness, 1849
  6. Funeral of Miss Caroline P. Lewis, 1849
  7. Communion, 1849
  8. Untitled, 1849
  9. The Glory of God, 1849
  10. Destruction of the Uncorrigable[sic], 1849
  11. Untitled, 1849
  12. The Foreknowledge of God, 1849
  13. The Water of Life, 1849
  14. All the Powers of Man Requisite in Religion, 1849
  15. Funeral of Mrs. Green, 1849
  16. The Unseen Savior, 1849
  17. Thou Shalt Not Muzzle Me, 1849
  18. Funeral of Gideon Pitts, Jr.-The Ground of Submission
    19. and Consolation, 1849
  19. The Work of the Holy Spirit, 1849
  20. Good Men Love God's Commandments Because They Are Right, 1849
  21. The Lamb of God, 1849
  22. Heaven (Hope of), 1849
  23. Hell, 1849
  24. Christian Experience, 1849
  25. Untitled, 1849
  26. Thanksgiving, 1849
  27. Good Intentions, 1849
  28. Subjection of the Body, 1850
  29. Forgiveness for Christ's Sake, 1850
  30. Christians Rewarded for Their Good Works, 1850
  31. The Meditation of Christ, 1850
  32. Sins of Christians, 1850
  33. Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, 1850
  34. Untitled, 1850
  35. Reconciliation With God, 1850
  36. Destruction of God's Enemies, 1850
  37. Eternity of God, 1850
  38. Untitled, 1850
  39. Untitled, 1850
  40. The Invisible God, 1850
  41. The Soul And the Body, 1850
  42. The Rich Man and Lazarus, 1850
  43. The Immediate State, 1850
  44. The New Births, 1850
  45. Spiritual Life-Life Eternal, 1850
  46. The Kingdom Come?, 1850

Top of List

Box 8 - Sermons & Addresses, 1850 - 1864

  1. Untitled, 1850
  2. Untitled, 1850
  3. Untitled, 1850
  4. Untitled, 1850
  5. The Living God, 1850
  6. Justification by the Law Impossible, 1850
  7. Fellowship With Idolaters, 1851
  8. Nature and Effects of the Holy Spirit, 1851
  9. Wicked Legislation, 1851
  10. Civil Government Law and Political Responsibility, 1851
  11. The Religion of Inquiry, 1851
  12. Schisms and Christian Union, 1851
  13. Relation of Holiness to Happiness, 1853
  14. God Can Convert Sinners, 1853
  15. Religion in Common Life by Rev. John Caird, 1855
  16. Untitled, 1855
  17. Neglect of the Great Salvation, 1855
  18. Salvation by Faith, 1855
  19. Untitled, 1855
  20. Entire Sanctification, 1855
  21. Sinful Delay, 1855
  22. Sinful Procrastination, 1855
  23. The Foundation of True Wisdom, 1855
  24. The Blessedness of Seeking the Lord, 1855
  25. Unity and Communion Between Christians on Earth and Christians in Heaven, 1855
  26. Some of the Sources of Knowledge, 1855
  27. Man His Brother's Keeper, 1856
  28. Untitled, 1856
  29. Untitled, 1856
  30. Danger of Falling Into Sin, 1857
  31. Funeral of Thomas Todd, 1857
  32. Things Above vs. Things on the Earth, 1857
  33. A World of Condemnation, 1857
  34. The Essential Nature and Dignity of Man, 1857
  35. Untitled, 1857
  36. Untitled, 1857
  37. The Conditions and Refuges of our Country, 1857
  38. The Law, the Instrument of Conversion, 1858
  39. Christian Temperance, 1858
  40. Bible Politics, 1858
  41. Lukewarm Professors, 1858
  42. Untitled, 1858
  43. Sermons in Williamsburg (incomplete), 1859-63
  44. Untitled, 1859
  45. Untitled, 1859
  46. Do Good, 1859
  47. Funeral of Harvey Blackner, 1859
  48. Untitled 1859
  49. The Unfaithful Steward, 1859
  50. The Road of Bethesda, 1859
  51. The Nationalities, 1861
  52. Christian Churches, 1861
  53. Untitled, 1862
  54. Love Never Faileth, 1862
  55. God Manifested By the Atonement, 1862
  56. Untitled, 1862
  57. Discouragements and Their Remedy, 1863
  58. Self-Gratification, 1863
  59. The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength, 1863
  60. Mercies and Judgements, 1863
  61. Faith, the Life of the Christian, 1864
  62. Untitled, 1864
  63. The Consolation of Religion, 1864

Top of List

Box 9 - Sermons & Addresses, 1864 - 1868

  1. The Living Waters, 1864
  2. Christ Precious to Believers, 1865
  3. Faith the Substance of Things Hoped for, 1866
  4. Bible Temperance, 1866
  5. Christian Affections, 1866
  6. Effectual Prayer for Spiritual Blessings, 1866
  7. The All-Seeing God, 1867
  8. What Think Ye of Chirst?, 1867
  9. Community of Saints in Heaven, 1867
  10. Justice, Mercy, Humility, 1867
  11. Paul and the Crown of Right, 1867
  12. Faithful Ministers Are Accounted Mad-Men, 1867
  13. Ritualism, 1867
  14. Christ, the Rock, 1867
  15. Professions and Practice, 1867
  16. Idolatry-Ancient and Modern, 1867
  17. The Righteous Scarcely Saved, 1867
  18. Self-Examination, 1867
  19. Christian Fellowship With God, 1867
  20. Fellowship of Saints With Each Other, 1867
  21. Funeral of Mrs. Job Cobb, 1867
  22. How to Enjoy Gospel Preaching, 1867
  23. The Highway and the Stumbling Blocks, 1867
  24. Fatal Mistakes in Religion, 1867
  25. Strength Only in Christ, 1867
  26. Ye Are Not Your Own, 1868
  27. Choice of God's Service, 1868
  28. The Love of Christ, 1868
  29. Spiritual Enlightenment, 1868
  30. Spiritual Darkness, 1868
  31. The Essential Nature of Man, No. I, 1868
  32. The Essential Nature of Man, No. II, 1868
  33. Keeping the Heart, 1868
  34. The Adoption of Sons, 1868
  35. Rest for the Laborers and Heavy Laden, 1868
  36. Negatives, Or Sins of Omission, 1868
  37. Universal Obedience, 1868
  38. The Church Says Come, 1868
  39. Christian Self-Denial, 1868
  40. The Doctrine of Christ Crucified, 1868
  41. Riches of Redeeming Grace, 1868
  42. Christian Thought, Essential to Christian Affection and Usefulness, 1868
  43. Untitled, 1868
  44. Teachings of Christ, 1868
  45. Inspiration of the New Testament, 1868
  46. Untitled, 1868
  47. Untitled, 1868
  48. Untitled, 1868
  49. Untitled, 1868
  50. Neither Be Partaker of Other Men's Sins, 1868
  51. How to Learn Christ's Doctrines, 1868
  52. Love Thy Law, 1868
  53. Untitled, 1868
  54. Funeral of P. Kennedy's Infant Child, 1868

Top of List

Box 10 - Sermons & Addresses, 1868 - 1873

  1. Efforts and Responsibilities of Churches, 1868
  2. Untitled, 1868
  3. The Glory of God in Providence, 1868
  4. The Death of Christ and Its Effect, 1868
  5. Sins of Ignorance, 1868
  6. Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge, 1868
  7. The Love of Money the Source of Apostacy, 1868
  8. The Glory of God in Creation, 1868
  9. Thanksgiving, 1868
  10. Thanksgiving, 1868
  11. The Spirit and the Flesh, 1869
  12. Untitled, 1869
  13. The Church a Building, 1869
  14. Love Greater Than Faith and Hope, 1869
  15. The Law of Right, 1869
  16. Christian Progress, 1869
  17. The Essential Glory of God, 1870
  18. Hindrances of Prayer, 1873

Top of List

Back to Top

Home > Special Collections & Archives > Historical Collections