Mary Ann Pettit (b.Jan 1805) was never officially surnamed Goodship when she was born. Her mother, also named Mary Ann Pettit (b.1781), became pregnant by William Goodship, who never married Mary Ann’s mother, and instead married Priscilla Hunt in Dec 1805. Mary Ann’s mother never married Mr Goodship. Mary Ann was given the surname Pettit after her mother, however Mr. William Damsell Goodship is understood to be her biological father. “At birth, Mary Ann was known as Mary Ann Pettit. Even just prior to her marriage, Mary Ann was known as Mary Ann Pettit. In the published Banns list announcing her marriage to John Gardner, she was listed as Mary Ann Pettett. Little is known of Mary Ann's childhood. It is assumed she was raised by her mother for most or all of her years growing up. Later in life, Mary Ann added Goodship to her name recognizing her natural father. Whether her biological father and mother ever married is unknown at this time.”
Source: https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-1-697127131-2-505463/mary-ann-gardner-born-pettit-in-myheritage-family-trees
1805 - 1880 (75 years)