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.

During the American Revolution, Goddard opposed the Stamp Act vehemently, recognizing it would increase the cost of printing.

[7] 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.

[6] 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 asserted that the position required "more traveling ... than a woman could undertake" and appointed a political ally of his to replace her.

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.

[11] An excerpt from her will reads: Know all men by these present that I Mary Catherine Goddard of the City & County of Baltimore, spinister, do by this my last will and testament give and grant to my female slave Belinda Starling aged about 26 years of age her freedom at my death and I also give and bequeath unto said Belinas Starling all the property of which I may die possessed all which I do to recompence the faithful performance of duites to me.