This collection consists of the correspondence and journals related to two military members active in the Civil War: William B. Goodrich and Patrick (P.H.) Wells. The Goodrich papers include documents and memorabilia from Goodrich and his daughter, Stella Goodrich Russell with dates ranging from 1853-1898. The P.H. Wells papers include letters from Wells to his friend and eventual wife, Sadie and personal diaries.
The total collection consists of 63 letters, 16 journals/diaries, 18 legal, business papers and certificates, a booklet entitled "The American Nation", 17 photographs, and other miscellaneous articles and memorabilia.
Collection Overview
William B. Goodrich
Born December 1, 1821 in Wilna, New York. He graduated from the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in 1835. He served during the Mexican-American War and later attended law school in Ballston Spa before he returned north to Madrid, New York.
In 1856 Goodrich was appointed judge advocate of the 33rd regiment, New York State Militia. He became a journalist and part owner of the St. Lawrence Plain-dealer in August of 1856. In August 1861 Goodrich opened and headed an enlistment-roll in the Town of Canton. In September Captain Goodrich led his men to Ogdensburgh and they became the 1st Company of the 60th Regiment NYS Volunteers. He was promoted to Colonel in May of 1862 and on September 17 of that same year was killed at the battle of Antietam. He was survived by his wife Elvira (Lydia) and one daughter Stella.
Stella Goodrich, born May 1, 1854 and married Charles Russell on January 30, 1878. Charles Russell, a St. Lawrence County native and St. Lawrence University graduate, became a U.S. Senator of Kings County, New York and a prominent lawyer. Stella was an alumna of Wells College, and founder of The Portia Reading Club and Camp Goodrich (named after her father). There is no mention of children in the papers.
P.H. Wells
Patrick H. Wells was born December 16, 1837 in Ireland. During the Civil War, he was mustered in to Company D, 19th Regiment, Illinois Infantry in Chicago. After his service he worked in the Naval Office in Brooklyn as a chief bond clerk. He rekindled his friendship with Sarah (Sadie) A. Olin, daughter of William and Charlotte Olin, through his letters and they were married sometime between November 1968 and December 1969. They had four children: Minnie, May, Mary, and Sarah (Sadie). Wells resigned on or about June 28, 1890, due to illness. His family visited Madrid and Gouverneur where Sadie’s parents and family lived.