Profession: Statesman and Founding Father
Biography: John Hancock is best known for his large signature on the Declaration of Independence.
Hancock was born in Massachusetts and inherited a successful business from his uncle. He subsequently became one of the richest men in the Thirteen Colonies. As tensions grew between the colonies and Britain, Hancock became a strong supporter of colonial rights.
Hancock was the president of the Second Continental Congress. Late he was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, risking his life and wealth for American independence. During the Revolutionary War, he helped raise money, supplies, and soldiers for the Continental Army.
Hancock served as the governor of Massachusetts from 1780 to 1785 and again from 1787 until his death in 1793. He was very popular, winning many elections, and his signature on the Declaration of Independence is now a famous symbol of American independence.
Born: January 23, 1737
Birthplace: Braintree, Massachusetts, USA
Star Sign: Aquarius
Articles and Photos
Boston Tea Party
Americans throwing the cargoes of the tea ships into the river at Boston
December 16, 1773
Yippee! It's Independence Day for the U.S.
The United States declared itself independent of Britain on this day. Ever since, celebrations marking the event have taken place every year across the country.
July 4, 1776
United States Declaration of Independence
Engrossed copy of the United States Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776
Married Life
- 1775-08-28 Statesman John Hancock (38) weds hostess Dorothy Quincy (28) in Fairfield, Connecticut
Historical Events
- 1768-04-09 John Hancock refuses to allow two British customs agents to go below deck of his ship, considered by some to be the first act of physical resistance to British authority in the colonies
- 1768-05-09 John Hancock pays duties on 25 pipes of wine, only one fourth of his ship's carrying capacity. British officials accuse him of unloading the rest during the night to avoid paying duties on the entire cargo.
- 1768-06-10 British customs officials seize John Hancock's ship, "The Liberty", on the suspicion that Hancock had illegally unloaded cargo without paying duties a month earlier
- 1768-06-10 Riot breaks out in Boston after customs officials seize sloop owned by John Hancock for alleged customs violation
- 1773-11-05 John Hancock is elected as moderator at a Boston town meeting that resolves that anyone who supports the Tea Act is an "Enemy to America"
- 1774-03-05 John Hancock delivers the fourth annual Massacre Day oration, a commemoration of the Boston Massacre, and denounces the presence of British troops in Boston, enhancing Hancock's stature as a leading Patriot
- 1775-04-18 Paul Revere warns Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops are marching from Boston to Lexington
- 1775-05-24 John Hancock is unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress
- 1780-10-25 John Hancock elected the first Governor of Massachusetts in a landslide with over 90% of the vote
- 1785-01-29 In a surprising announcement, John Hancock resigns as Governor of Massachusetts, allegedly due to his failing health
Biographies and Sources
- John Hancock - American Battlefield Trust
- John Hancock - National Park Service
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