John Hancock

As a wealthy merchant, he lived a lavish and often extravagant life.

He was greatly admired for his philanthropy and was known to donate generously to widows, orphans and other needy sections of the society.

John Hancock was born to a Congregational pastor in Massachusetts. He was named after his father, Rev. John Hancock, who died when the boy was only seven years old.

After the death of his father, his uncle Thomas Hancock, a rich childless merchant, and his wife adopted him. Thomas owned a highly successful business in Boston dealing in import-export of goods.

He studied at the Boston Latin School and graduated in 1750. After that he went to Harvard College and earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1754.

He started working at his uncle’s business after completing his college education. At about the same time, the French and Indian War broke out.

His uncle had favorable political relations that enabled him to secure profitable contracts from the government during war time. Hancock gained a lot of first-hand experience and knowledge about running the business.

After staying in England during 1760-61 to establish relations with suppliers and customers in order to develop his business, he returned to Boston.

He became a full partner in his uncle’s business in 1763, and inherited the business and vast estates after the death of his uncle in 1764, becoming one of the richest men in the colonies.

The British parliament passed the Sugar Act in 1764 which caused resistance among the colonists. John Hancock, along with James Otis and Samuel Adams criticized the move.

He is famous for being the President of the Continental Congress at the time of signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on 2 August 1776. He was the first delegate to affix his signature on the document, which he did with flamboyance.