John Hancock

John Hancock was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, in the year 1737. He was educated at Harvard College, and entered upon a mercantile career under the auspices of his uncle, a wealthy Boston merchant, whose heir he became. He soon acquired great wealth and influence, and took an active part in public affairs.

He was one of the earliest and most zealous opponents of the measures of the British government, and was especially obnoxious to the royal authorities. He was President of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, and was elected a member of the Continental Congress.

He was chosen President of that body, and held the office at the time of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. His bold and handsome signature is the first upon that instrument, and he declared that he wrote it in characters so large that the King of England might read it without spectacles.

He continued in Congress until 1780, and was afterward elected Governor of Massachusetts. He served several terms, and was one of the most popular men in the State. He died on the 8th of October, 1793.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive