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John Hancock As A Boy
John Hancock's father, the Reverent John Hancock, died in 1744 when young John was only seven years old. Years later, his mother re-married and John was adopted by his paternal uncle Thomas Hancock and his wife Lydia Henchman. Prior to adopting John, the couple was childless. -
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John Hancock's Education
John graduated for the Boston Latin School where the sons of the Boston elite would get their education. The BLS is the oldest existing school in the United States, and John completed eight years of schooling in five. He then enters Harvard University at the age of thirteen, and graduates in 1754 with a master of arts degree. -
John Hancock Inherits Uncle's Fortune
In 1763, John becomes a full partner in his uncle's business. Upon his uncle's death in 1764, John inherits the business and its vast estates. At the young age of 27, John instantly becomes one of the wealthiest individuals in the colonies. -
John Hancock Enters Politics
In 1765, John Hancock enters local politics for the first time when he was elected a Boston selectman. -
Second Continental Congress
Over the course of time, John's prestige amongst colonial patriots grows stronger. In late 1774, Hancock was made a delegate to the Second Continental Congress that was to meet in Philadelphia the following year. -
President of the Continental Congress
At the Second Continental Congress, which was meeting in Philadelphia, John Hancock was elected President of the Continental Congress. At this time, Hancock eyed the role of commander of the Continental Army, but the Congress ultimately chose George Washington as the commander. -
John Hancock's Famous Signature
On July 4th, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document drafted by Thomas Jefferson stating that the thirteen American colonies were free from British rule. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, was the first person to sign the document on August 2nd, 1776. -
John Hancock's Governorship
In 1780, John Hancock won the election to become the first governor of Massachusetts. He served until 1785, when he resigned from the office due to health concerns. -
Massachusetts Governor for a 2nd time
Hancock's resignation as governor of Massachusetts in 1785 coincided with the forthcoming Shay's Rebellion, an uprising from debt-burdened citizens of the state who were protesting high government taxation and state regulations. Despite this uprising, Hancock was reelected to the governorship in 1787. -
U.S. Presidential Candidate
In 1789, John Hancock was a candidate in the first U.S. Presidential Election, but received only four electoral votes out of a total of 138 cast. George Washington garnered 69 votes, while John Adams captured 36 votes, thereby earning the two men the presidency and vice presidency, respectively.
