Biography of John Hancock

In American history, there are numerous people who stand out more and are emphasize more than other in history of our country. One man, John Hancock, is one of those astonishing men that stand out.

John’s was born on January 16, 1736 in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was the middle child of three. He was the son of John Hancock, who was born on June 1, 1702 in Lexington, Massachusetts and child of Mary Hawke, who was born on October 13, 1711 in Hingham, Massachusetts. His mother was married once before she married Johns farther. Her marriage ended in her former husband’s death. John Hancock Sr was a “faithful Shepard.” He always kept an alert watch over the ethics and religious well-being of all members of the neighborhood. Ever since John’s (Jr.) birth, he was perceived to go to Harvard. When he was six, his parents sent him to a local dame school. Later he was sent to another institute, in where he met John Adams, whom became a friend of his. Like all the other children, John learned the basics of writing, figuring, and reading. All things appeared to be going well, until spring of 1774. His father had gotten sick, that later would kill him. His grief grew more because they would have to move. His mother’s parents were both dead and a very difficult choice would have to be made by her. Her anxiety to make that decision was diminished by the offer from the bishop and his wife, to live with them in Lexington. A year later, John was sent away to live with his uncle Thomas and aunt Lydia, and attend Boston Latin School. The move genuinely altered John Hancock’s life.

Thomas Hancock lived in Hancock Manor in Boston where he had no children he was a privateer and a merchant. John enrolled in Harvard University, received his bachelor’s...

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...ere, George the Third can read that without his spectacles. Now he cans double his reward for my head.” Hancock was the only one to sign the Declaration of Independence on the fourth; the others delegates signed on August 2nd. He requested Washington have the Declaration read to the Army. For much of the war, John lived in luxury. He and Dolly were married in the summer of 1775. In 1776, he was appointed commander in chief of the Massachusetts militia. In July 1778, he led 6,000 of his militia in a failed attack on the British at Newport; he was the governor of Massachusetts. But he resigned. (Lee, 17-47)

John Hancock died October 8, 1793. It was a sad day. The funeral was held six days later. At 20,000 people gathered on the Common to march. He is still remembered by the signature only. He is one of the extraordinary people who had changed the fate of our country.