John Hancock
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Merchant president of Congress
John Hancock inherited a thriving shipping business from his uncle and quickly became one of the wealthiest men in colonial Boston. His ships carried goods across the Atlantic, exposing him to British trade regulations and taxes. As tensions rose, British officials seized his sloop Liberty, accusing him of smuggling. The seizure sparked protests and deepened Hancock's commitment to resisting Parliament's control without colonial representation.
Hancock funded public works, supported local schools, and paid for community events, earning respect beyond his wealth. He joined the Sons of Liberty alongside Samuel Adams, using his resources to sponsor meetings and supply militias. When British troops occupied Boston, Hancock and Adams became prime targets for arrest, forcing them to flee to Lexington in 1775, where Paul Revere warned them that redcoats were marching their way.
At the Second Continental Congress Hancock was elected president, a role that required patience, hospitality, and organizational skill. He presided over debates that appointed George Washington as commander in chief and approved the Declaration of Independence. Hancock signed the document first and with an extra-large flourish so King George III would have no trouble reading his name. His signature became a symbol of bold commitment to liberty.
During the Revolution Hancock continued to raise money for troops and chaired committees on supplies. He later returned to Massachusetts, commanded the state militia briefly, and helped write the state constitution. As governor he promoted rebuilding efforts, encouraged trade recovery, and backed the creation of public schools and charitable institutions. He also helped calm tensions after Shays' Rebellion by supporting limited debt relief while maintaining law and order.
Hancock died in 1793, leaving funds for Boston charities and colleges. Today his name is synonymous with signing important documents, and his life shows how wealth combined with public responsibility can support a freedom movement.
Hancock funded public works, supported local schools, and paid for community events, earning respect beyond his wealth. He joined the Sons of Liberty alongside Samuel Adams, using his resources to sponsor meetings and supply militias. When British troops occupied Boston, Hancock and Adams became prime targets for arrest, forcing them to flee to Lexington in 1775, where Paul Revere warned them that redcoats were marching their way.
At the Second Continental Congress Hancock was elected president, a role that required patience, hospitality, and organizational skill. He presided over debates that appointed George Washington as commander in chief and approved the Declaration of Independence. Hancock signed the document first and with an extra-large flourish so King George III would have no trouble reading his name. His signature became a symbol of bold commitment to liberty.
During the Revolution Hancock continued to raise money for troops and chaired committees on supplies. He later returned to Massachusetts, commanded the state militia briefly, and helped write the state constitution. As governor he promoted rebuilding efforts, encouraged trade recovery, and backed the creation of public schools and charitable institutions. He also helped calm tensions after Shays' Rebellion by supporting limited debt relief while maintaining law and order.
Hancock died in 1793, leaving funds for Boston charities and colleges. Today his name is synonymous with signing important documents, and his life shows how wealth combined with public responsibility can support a freedom movement.
What We Can Learn
- Hancock used his fortune and ships to challenge unfair British trade controls
- As Continental Congress president he guided debates and signed the Declaration boldly
- He supported Massachusetts militias and state rebuilding as governor
- His name became a symbol of courageous agreement
