Mary Katharine Goddard

Mary Katharine Goddard (June 16, 1738 – August 12, 1816) was an early American publisher, and the postmaster of the Baltimore Post Office from 1775 to 1789.

Goddard reprinted Thomas Paine's Common Sense in her publication, and she wrote and printed editorials speaking out against British brutality.

[8] When, on January 18, 1777, the Second Continental Congress moved that the Declaration of Independence be widely distributed, Goddard was one of the first to offer the use of her press.

[8] The names of secretary Charles Thomson and president John Hancock of the Continental Congress were the only two that were on earlier printed copies.

Osgood claimed that the position required "more traveling ... than a woman could undertake" and appointed a political ally of his to replace her.

[10] On November 12, 1789, over 230 citizens of Baltimore, including more than 200 leading businessmen, presented a petition demanding her reinstatement, which was unsuccessful.

She continued to run, until 1809 or 1810, a bookshop that had previously been an adjunct to her printing business, and sold books, stationery, and dry goods.