John hancock declaration of independence signature page
Preamble to the constitution!
John Hancock
(1737-1793)
Who Was John Hancock?
Born on January 23, 1737, in Braintree (present day city of Quincy) Massachusetts, John Hancock inherited a thriving trading business in Boston and would, with Samuel Adams, become a major figure in colonial agitation against British rule.
He was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and would later be elected the first governor of Massachusetts.
John hancock declaration of independence signature page
He also faced accusations of financial mismanagement.
Early Life
Hancock was born on January 23, 1737, in Braintree (present day city of Quincy), Massachusetts, to Mary Hawke and the senior John Hancock, who was a clergyman.
The elder Hancock died when John was a child, and his mother took him and his siblings to live with in-laws in Lexington. She later sent John to live with Lydia and Thomas Hancock, his aunt and uncle. The couple had no children and hence adopted the boy.
Thomas was a wealthy merchant who owned a highly successful shipping business.
John went on to atte