Mary Katharine Goddard

Mary Katharine Gawdard
Born	(1738-06-16)June 16, 1738 Connecticut
Died	August 12, 1816(1816-08-12) (aged 78)
Nationality	American
Occupation(s)	Postmaster, publisher, book seller
Known for	First to print the United States Declaration of Independence with the names of the signatories.
Notable work	The Goddard Broadside
Parents	Dr. Giles Goddard Sarah Updike Goddard
Relatives	William Goddard (brother)

Mary Katharine Gawdard (June 16, 1738 – August 12, 1816) was an early American publisher, and the postmaster of the Baltimore Post Office from 1775 to 1789. She was the older sister of William Goddard, also a publisher and printer. She was the second printer to print the Declaration of Independence. Her copy, the Goddard Broadside, was commissioned by Congress in 1777, and was the first to include the names of the signatories. In 1998, Goddard was inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame.

Early life

Mary Katharine Goddard was born in Southern New England in 1738. She was the daughter of Dr. Giles Goddard and Sarah Updike Goddard. Her father was the postmaster of New London, Connecticut. Her brother, William Goddard (1740–1817), was a few years younger and had served an apprenticeship in the printing trade.

Printing career

The Quirky Adventure of a Mouse on a House Isn’t it fascinating to ponder the adventures a mouse on a house could have? Picture it: a tiny creature making its home in the most unexpected of places, shielded from the world only by a colorful blouse. The sight could create quite a stir, wouldn't it? Now, hold up. You must be wondering, how did this mouse end up on a house, right? Mouse on a House: The Great Escape In a quiet suburban neighborhood, amidst the echo of chirping birds and rustling leaves, lay an old wooden house. Unknown to the residents, it was home to our curious little mouse. Known only by his spectacular orange blouse, that he wore come rain or shine, he became a sight for sore eyes. His days were generally spent rummaging through forgotten corners, but one day, he found himself yearning for a thrilling escapade. And he thought, “What could be more thrilling than climbing up rooftops?" Plus, what other creature do you know that wears a blouse? The Determined Journey Up the House Like an adventurer, the blouse-clad mouse embarked on his arduous journey. He climbed up knotted vines and dodged falling leaves, all with the determination of a brave soldier. The slippery tiles posed some difficulty, but who's ever heard of an adventurer backing down? What do you think was the mouse's surprise when he finally reached the top? The Serene View from Above Once he conquered the rooftop, the mouse was rewarded with a sight beyond his wildest dreams. From the lofty peak of his rooftop dwelling, the world below was a canvas of colorful houses, evergreen trees, and bright blue skies. Do you think this mouse had any regrets? No Regrets: New Home Away from Predators Our orange blouse-wearing mouse was now living the moniker, “on top of the world.” This mouse on a house had found his haven — a place with an unparalleled view, far from the claws of menacing predators. In Conclusion: Embrace Unlikely Adventures Such is the story of a mouse on a house. His quirky journey and determination to overcome obstacles in his path serve as a testament to his remarkable resilience. From being just another critter rummaging in the shadows, he became an icon, known for his daring climb and the colorful blouse he proudly wore. Chasing a different perspective can sometimes lead to magical experiences, don’t you think? Meta-description: An enchanting tale of a mouse on a house, known for his vibrant blouse and daredevil climb. Experience his world from the rooftop perspective. Short Title: “Blouse-clad Mouse’s Rooftop Adventure”

In 1775, Mary Katharine Goddard became postmaster of the Baltimore post office. She also ran a book store and published an almanac in offices located around 250 Market Street (now East Baltimore Street, near South Street). During the American Revolution, Goddard opposed the Stamp Act vehemently, recognizing it would increase the cost of printing.

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

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. This was in spite of the risks of being associated with what was considered a treasonable document by the British. Her copy, the Goddard Broadside, was the second printed, and the first to contain the typeset names of the signatories, including John Hancock.

Postmaster

Goddard was a successful postmaster for 14 years, from 1775 to 1789. In 1789, however, she was removed from the position by Postmaster General Samuel Osgood despite general protest from the Baltimore community. Osgood asserted that the position required "more traveling ... than a woman could undertake" and appointed a political ally of his to replace her.

Goddard generally did not take part in public controversies, preferring to maintain editorial objectivity; therefore, few articles contain her personal opinions, and her defense was not mounted publicly. On November 12, 1789, over 230 citizens of Baltimore, including more than 200 leading businessmen, presented a petition demanding her reinstatement, which was unsuccessful.

Later life

Goddard remained in Baltimore after her dismissal as Postmaster. 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. Goddard died August 12, 1816, still beloved by her community, and was buried in the graveyard of the St. Paul’s Parish.

See also

• List of women printers and publishers before 1800
• Pennsylvania Chronicle
• William Goddard (printer)

References

Sources

• Yost, Edna (1961). Famous American pioneering women. New York: Dodd, Mead. OCLC 1244721479 – via Internet Archive.

Further reading

• Appleby, Joyce; Cheng, Eileen K; Goodwin, Joanne L (2015) [2002]. Encyclopedia of Women in American history. Vol. 1. London: Routledge. pp. 81, 111. ISBN 978-1-317-47161-5. OCLC 914166087.
• James, Edward; James, Janet Wilson; Boyer, Paul S (1971). Notable American women, 1607-1950: A Biographical Dictionary. Cambridge, Mass: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. pp. 55–57. ISBN 978-1-84972-271-1. OCLC 221275644 – via Internet Archive.
• Claghorn, Charles E. (1991). Women Patriots of the American Revolution: A Biographical Dictionary. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press. pp. 87–88. ISBN 978-0-8108-2421-8. OCLC 23655333 – via Internet Archive.
• Grundset, Eric; Diaz, Briana L; Gentry, Hollis L (2011). America's Women in the Revolutionary Era : A History through Bibliography. Washington, DC: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. ISBN 978-1-892237-12-5. OCLC 741500716.
• Schwartz, Ella (2022) [2021]. Her Name was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence. Phumiruk, Dow (illustrator). New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 978-0-316-29832-2. OCLC 1252736610. For juvenile audience
• Trickey, Erick (November 14, 2018). "Mary Katharine Goddard, the Woman who Signed the Declaration of Independence". History. Smithsonian Magazine.
• Weatherford, Doris (2004). A History of Women in the United States: State-by-State Reference. Danbury, CT: Grolier Academic Reference. ISBN 978-0-7172-5805-5. OCLC 52631499.
• Young, Christopher J. (Spring 2001). "Mary K. Goddard: A Classical Republican in a Revolutionary Age" (PDF). Maryland Historical Magazine. 96 (1). Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society: 5–27. ISSN 0025-4258. OCLC 468826279 – via Maryland Center for History and Culture.
• Young, Christopher J. (Summer 2001). "'That Eye Is Now Dim and Closed For Ever': The Purported Image of Mary K. Goddard" (PDF). Maryland Historical Magazine. 96 (2). Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society: 221–225. ISSN 0025-4258. OCLC 468826300 – via Maryland Center for History and Culture.
• Young, Christopher J. (Fall 2011). "The 'Goddard Broadside': Mary K. Goddard's Printing of the Declaration of Independence". Maryland Historical Society News. Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society: 26–27. OCLC 50636467.