John Hancock was an American merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He was the first and third Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving in that capacity from 1780 to 1793. He is remembered for his bold signature on the United States Declaration of Independence, which has made his name synonymous with the term "signature" in the United States.
Hancock was born on January 23, 1737, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was the son of the Reverend John Hancock, Sr., and Mary Hawke Thaxter. His father was a Congregational minister and his mother was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Hancock was educated at Boston Latin School and Harvard College, where he graduated in 1754.
After his graduation, Hancock entered the family business, becoming a successful merchant in Boston. He was also active in politics, serving as a member of the Massachusetts General Court and as a delegate to the Continental Congress. In 1775, he was elected President of the Continental Congress, a position he held until 1777.
During his time as President of the Continental Congress, Hancock played a key role in the fight for independence. He was instrumental in securing funding and supplies for the Continental Army, and he worked closely with other leaders such as George Washington and John Adams to coordinate military strategy.
Hancock was also a strong advocate for the rights of the colonies, and he was a vocal critic of British policies. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and his signature is the largest and most prominent on the document.
After the war, Hancock returned to Massachusetts, where he served as Governor for several terms. He worked to rebuild the state's economy and improve the lives of its citizens. He also helped to establish many of the political and social institutions that would shape the new nation.
Hancock died on October 8, 1793, at the age of 56. He is remembered as one of the leading figures of the American Revolution, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans.
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John Hancock
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John Hancock was an American merchant, statesman, and prominent Patriot of the American Revolution. He was the first and third Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving in that capacity from 1780 to 1793. He is remembered for his bold signature on the United States Declaration of Independence, which has made his name synonymous with the term "signature" in the United States.
Hancock was born on January 23, 1737, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was the son of the Reverend John Hancock, Sr., and Mary Hawke Thaxter. His father was a Congregational minister and his mother was the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Hancock was educated at Boston Latin School and Harvard College, where he graduated in 1754.
After his graduation, Hancock entered the family business, becoming a successful merchant in Boston. He was also active in politics, serving as a member of the Massachusetts General Court and as a delegate to the Continental Congress. In 1775, he was elected President of the Continental Congress, a position he held until 1777.
During his time as President of the Continental Congress, Hancock played a key role in the fight for independence. He was instrumental in securing funding and supplies for the Continental Army, and he worked closely with other leaders such as George Washington and John Adams to coordinate military strategy.
Hancock was also a strong advocate for the rights of the colonies, and he was a vocal critic of British policies. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and his signature is the largest and most prominent on the document.
After the war, Hancock returned to Massachusetts, where he served as Governor for several terms. He worked to rebuild the state's economy and improve the lives of its citizens. He also helped to establish many of the political and social institutions that would shape the new nation.
Hancock died on October 8, 1793, at the age of 56. He is remembered as one of the leading figures of the American Revolution, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Americans.