Mary Katharine Goddard facts for kids

Mary Katharine Goddard (born June 16, 1738 – died August 12, 1816) was an important American publisher and postmaster. She was the head of the Baltimore Post Office from 1775 to 1789. Mary was the older sister of William Goddard, who was also a publisher and printer. She was the second person to print the Declaration of Independence. Her special copy, called the Goddard Broadside, was ordered by the Congress in 1777. It was the very first printed version that showed the names of all the people who signed it. In 1998, Mary Katharine Goddard was honored in the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.

Early Life of Mary Goddard

Mary Katharine Goddard was born in Southern New England in 1738. Her parents were Dr. Giles Goddard and Sarah Updike Goddard. Her father worked as the postmaster in New London, Connecticut. Mary's brother, William Goddard (1740–1817), was a few years younger than her. He learned the printing business by working as an apprentice.

Mary Goddard's Printing Career

The Goddard family, including Mrs. Goddard, William Goddard, and Mary Goddard, started a printing press together. They were the first to publish a newspaper in Providence, Rhode Island, called The Providence Gazette.

Later, William left Rhode Island to begin a new newspaper in Philadelphia. He also published a revolutionary newspaper called the Maryland Journal. Mary Goddard took over the Maryland Journal in 1774. She did this while her brother was traveling to promote his "Constitutional Post" mail service. Mary continued to publish the newspaper throughout the American Revolutionary War. She kept it going until 1784, when her brother made her give up the newspaper after a big disagreement.

In 1775, Mary Katharine Goddard became the postmaster of the Baltimore post office. She also ran a book store and published an almanac. Her offices were located around 250 Market Street, which is now East Baltimore Street. During the American Revolution, Goddard strongly disagreed with the Stamp Act. She knew it would make printing more expensive.

Goddard Broadside of the Declaration of Independence, with "Printed by Mary Katharine Goddard" at bottom

On January 18, 1777, the Second Continental Congress decided that the Declaration of Independence should be shared widely. Mary Goddard was one of the first people to offer her press to help. This was a brave choice, because being linked to the Declaration was seen as an act of treason by the British. Her copy, known as the Goddard Broadside, was the second one printed. It was also the first to include the printed names of all the people who signed it, including John Hancock.

Mary Goddard as Postmaster

Goddard was a very successful postmaster for 14 years, from 1775 to 1789. However, in 1789, she was removed from her job by Postmaster General Samuel Osgood. This happened even though many people in Baltimore protested. Osgood claimed that the job required "more traveling ... than a woman could undertake." He then appointed a political friend of his to take her place.

Mary Goddard usually did not get involved in public arguments. She preferred to keep her newspaper articles fair and balanced. Because of this, few articles show her personal opinions. Her defense against being removed from her job was not made public. On November 12, 1789, more than 230 citizens of Baltimore, including over 200 important business people, signed a petition. They demanded that she be given her job back, but their efforts were not successful.

Later Life

After losing her job as Postmaster, Mary Goddard stayed in Baltimore. She continued to run her bookshop until about 1809 or 1810. This shop had been connected to her printing business before. She sold books, stationery, and other goods. Mary Goddard died on August 12, 1816. She was still well-liked by her community and was buried in the graveyard of St. Paul’s Parish.

See also

In Spanish: Mary Katherine Goddard para niños