However, before he autographed one of the nations most important documents, he made a name for himself as a wealthy merchant and prominent politician. John hancock and his signature are two of the bestknown elements related to the declaration of independence. On may 25, 1775 the united colonies continental congress elected john hancock, president. Capitol, and in barry faulkners mural painting in the rotunda at the national archives. But how much do you know about the former president of the continental congress. Although john hancocks bold signature on the declaration of independence is a national symbol indeed, his name is a synonym for the word signature hancock remains among the least known of americas founding fathers. John hancock, born january 12, 1737, braintree now in quincy, massachusettsdied october 8, 1793, quincy, massachusetts, u. When his uncle died, hancock inherited his lucrative shipping business.
John hancock was born in braintree, massachusetts, on january 23, 1737. The letter was of copies sent in july 1776 to the original colonies, each accompanied by a freshlyprinted copy of the declaration of independence. Signers of the declaration of independence on 4 july 1776. He often donated to churches, schools and organizations to help the less fortunate.
Historians have generally accepted mckeans version of events, arguing that the famous signed version of the declaration was created after july 19, and was not signed by congress until august 2, 1776. Most americans know three things about john hancock. John hancock is best known for his large signature on the declaration of independence, which he jested the british could read without spectacles. Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the declaration of independence. Most of the rest signed on august 2, but the last signature wasnt added until 5 years later.
About john hancock, signer of the declaration of independence. The signature of john hancock on the declaration of independence is the most flamboyant and easily recognizable of all. Hancock was president of congress when the declaration of independence was adopted and signed. John hancocks historic autograph on the declaration of independence is so well known that it is often used as a noun synonymous to signature. Hancock inherited a thriving mercantile business from his uncle. This event occurred in the pennsylvania state house, now independence hall, in.
John adams, roger sherman, robert livingston and benjamin franklin. With him stand the other members of the committee that created the draft. National park service signers of the declaration john. That made the signatures on the declaration, especially john hancocks, icons of patriotism.
On july 5, 1776 several hundred copies of the first public version of the declaration of independence were printed as a broadside by the printer john dunlap. John hancock january 23, 1737october 8, 1793 is one of americas bestknown founding fathers thanks to his unusually oversized signature on the declaration of independence. John hancocks 1776 declaration of independence letter. John hancocks letter proclaiming independence, and. John hancock was a representative from massachusetts and a signatory on the declaration of independence.
Signer of the declaration of independence, president of the second continental congress, lawyer, husband, patriot. Few figures were more well known or more popular than john hancock. Although rich and powerful, john hancock was still concerned about the impoverished and his community. After shays rebellion embroiled massachusetts in civil unrest in 1786 and 1787, hancocks support of the new federal constitution was probably responsible for its. John hancock definition of john hancock by the free. There is a john hancock tower in boston and a john hancock center in chicago.
John hancocks declaration of independence signature. He created the final, approved design for the great seal of the united states, still in use today. That was the version that no other delegates signed. It is perhaps no surprise that the story of his part in the revolution is equally engaging. John hancock the important consequences to the american. In 1785 he was an active supporter of rufus king in his effort to abolish slavery throughout the country. Did john hancock write the declaration of independence or. In new york, john hancock annuities are issued by john hancock life insurance company of new york, valhalla, ny 10595.
During the war, hancock served as president of the continental congress, 17751777, and in that capacity signed the declaration of independence in bold script on july 4, 1776. Declaration of independence after graduating from harvard 1754, hancock entered a mercantile house in boston owned by his uncle thomas hancock, who later. Before the american revolution, hancock was one of the wealth. Declaration of independence architect of the capitol. Years of public display have faded and worn this treasured document. He served as president of the second continental congress and was the first and third governor of the commonwealth of. John hancock got to sign the declaration of independence because at the time he was the president of the congress. John hancock on his declaration of independence signature. In the central group in the painting, thomas jefferson, the principal author of the declaration, is shown placing the document before john hancock, president of the congress. Hancocks signature in the declaration of independence.
On july 4, 1776, continental congress president john hancocks signature authenticated the united states declaration of independence. Representing massachusetts at the continental congress. As a signer, his signature on the declaration of independence was second in size to john hancocks famous signature. John hancock was so smart, he graduated from harvard at the tender age of 17.
There was a fair amount of discussion after that adams wrote a preamble some states liked and some didnt various states liked parts and disliked parts. He gave support to the boston tea party and delivered public addresses commemorating the boston massacre. John hancock was an american merchant, statesman, and prominent patriot of the american revolution. He was an american merchant, statesman, and prominent patriot of the american revolution. It was said that a good hand was the sign of a good man. John hancock the society of the descendants of the. John hancock of braintree and mary hawke thaxter of hingham he was an american merchant, statesman, and prominent patriot of the american revolution. He went on to be a signer the articles of confederation. The important consequences to the american states from this declaration of independence, considered as the ground and foundation of a future government, naturally suggest the propriety of proclaiming it in such a manner as that the people may be universally informed of it.
Today it is maintained under the most exacting archival conditions possible. Michael minasi houston chronicle declaration of independence. Although john hancocks bold signature on the declaration of. United states declaration of independence wikipedia. John hancock biography life, parents, story, death. His name is on the first printing of the declaration of independence.
He later served as a president of the continental congress, and he was elected governor of massachusetts for nine terms. He was popular and highly regarded for his generosity. American revolution leader john hancock 17371793 was a signer of the declaration of independence in 1776 and a governor of. Symbolically the most famous signature in american history is linked with the declaration of independence, the most cherished symbol of liberty. American revolution leader john hancock 17371793 was a signer of the declaration of independence in 1776 and a governor of massachusetts. The first published version is known as the dunlap broadside and was signed only by john hancock, who was the president of the continental congress, and charles thomson, its secretary. John hancock wrote perhaps the most famous signature in american history. When did john hancock sign the declaration of independence.
Not surprisingly the national handwriting day is celebrated on january 23rd which is also john hancock s birthday. John hancock facts american history and john hancock. The declaration of independence was a statement adopted by the continental congress on july 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen american colonies, then at. John hancocks speech to the general court of the commonwealth of massachusetts the following is john hancocks speech to the ratification convention of massachusetts on february 27, 1788. The manuscript journals of the continental congress are in his hand. John hancock signature, declaration of independence. January 12, 1736 october 8, 1793 was the son of rev. John hancock is perhaps best known for his signature on the declaration of independence. On november 23, 1785 the united states in congress. John hancock variable annuities are distributed by john hancock distributors llc, member. Signers of the declaration of independence us history. He served as president of the second continental congress and was the first and third governor of the commonwealth of massachusetts. On july 2, 1776 united colonies continental congress declared independence from great britain.
John hancock stood at center stage in massachusetts politics for most of his adult life and provided leadership for the patriot cause with an enthusiasm as bold as his unmistakable signature on the declaration of independence. John hancock synonyms, john hancock pronunciation, john hancock translation, english dictionary definition of john hancock. On may 24, 1775, hancock was named as the presiding officer over the second continental congress, which was meeting in philadelphia to discuss the military threat posed by the british. John hancock signed the declaration of independence and was a leader of the movement toward revolution in the american colonies.
John hancocks signature on a declaration of independence replica. John hancock signed both versions of the declaration of independence. On july 4th, 1776 united states continental congress passed the declaration of independence with john hancock executing the resolution as president. He was the first and only secretary of the continental congress. John hancock of braintree and mary hawke thaxter of hingham. John hancock, manuscript letter signed, announcing the. The declaration of independence as read by max mclean. John hancock annuities are issued by john hancock life insurance company u. Only two people signed the declaration of independence on july 4th, john hancock and charles thomson.
Examine this 19thcentury painting, from the mount vernon. Hancocks involvement illustrates how widespread peoples discontent with the british policies was, and how that discontent united people from different backgrounds in support of the declaration of independence. Among other things it reveals his status in society of that time. He is remembered for his large and stylish signature on the united states declaration of independence, so much so that the term john hancock has become a synonym in the united states for ones signature. Learn how john hancock played a key role in the context of declaration of independence. Why did john handcock sign the declaration of independence. In the introduction to his 2000 biography of john hancock, historian harlow giles unger noted that. The condition of the parchment declaration of independence is a sign of the place it has held in the hearts of many americans. He was born on january 23, 1737 in braintree now quincy, massachusetts, the descendant of a number of prominent congregational clergymen. John hancock becomes president of congress history. John hancock in declaration of independence shmoop.
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