John Hancock (1737-1793)
Early Life and Education:
- Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, to a wealthy merchant family
- Graduated from Harvard College in 1754
Political Career:
- Elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1766
- Delegate to the First Continental Congress from 1774-1789
- President of the First Continental Congress (1775-1777)
- Governor of Massachusetts (1780-1785, 1787-1793)
Key Events:
- ** Boston Massacre (1770):** Hancock defended the accused British soldiers in court
- ** Boston Tea Party (1773):** Hancock was a key organizer
- ** First Continental Congress (1774):** Hancock presided over the first meeting
- ** Declaration of Independence (1776):** Hancock was the first to sign the document, becoming known for his large and flamboyant signature
- ** Articles of Confederation (1781):** Hancock signed the document as President of the Continental Congress
Key Groups:
- ** Sons of Liberty:** Hancock was a member of this radical group that protested British policies
- ** First Continental Congress:** Hancock was a leading member and its first President
- Federalists: Hancock supported the ratification of the Constitution and the formation of a strong central government
Key Documents:
- ** Declaration of Independence (1776):** Signed by Hancock as its first signer
- ** Articles of Confederation (1781):** Signed by Hancock as President of the Continental Congress
- Constitution of the United States (1787): Hancock supported its ratification
Key People:
- ** Samuel Adams:** A close associate and fellow member of the Sons of Liberty
- George Washington: Hancock worked closely with Washington during the Revolutionary War
- ** Thomas Jefferson:** Hancock had a complex relationship with Jefferson, who was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence
- Abigail Adams: Hancock’s wife, who was an influential political figure in her own right