American Revolution leader John Hancock (1737-1793) was a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and a governor of Massachusetts. ... He was president of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States was born.
Why was Hancock important?
John Hancock, (born January 12, 1737, Braintree (now in Quincy), Massachusetts—died October 8, 1793, Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S.), American statesman who was a leading figure during the Revolutionary War and the first signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence .
What was John Hancock accused of?
Accused of smuggling , Hancock's sloop, Liberty, was seized by the British on May 9, 1768, causing a riot to ensue. The British accused Hancock of offloading goods without paying customs duties. John Adams defended Hancock and got the charges dropped without explanation.
How did John Hancock became famous?
Born on this day in 1737, John Hancock is most famous for his bold signature. On August 2, 1776, he was the first member of the Continental Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence , the document first demanding independence for the United States from the rule of Great Britain.
Why was John Hancock's signature so big?
The details sometimes change, but the dramatic story arc remains the same: that John Hancock signed his name so large so that “someone can read my name without spectacles.” ... Hancock's signature was for his fellow delegates and for future generations of Americans.
Why is it called a John Hancock?
Hancock was president of Congress when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed. He is primarily remembered by Americans for his large, flamboyant signature on the Declaration , so much so that “John Hancock” became, in the United States, an informal synonym for signature.
Why is John Hancock important to the American Revolution?
American Revolution leader John Hancock (1737-1793) was a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and a governor of Massachusetts. ... He was president of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States was born.
Who was the richest founding father?
Business magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller is widely considered the richest American in history.
What is one of John Hancock's quotes?
- “I mean not to boast; I would not excite envy but manly emulation.” ...
- “A chip on the shoulder is too heavy a piece of baggage to carry through life.” ...
- “I have the most animating confidence that the present noble struggle for liberty will terminate gloriously for America.”
What was John Hancock's character trait?
Personality Traits
John Hancock is confident,defiant, and brave . “An examination of John Hancock's signature indicates the obvious and inarguable character traits that define confidence, bravery and courage.” “He wrote with tall upper zone loops, which represents someone who stands tall with strong ethics.”
What is a John Hancock slang?
John Hancock in American English
Informal. a person's signature . so called because John Hancock's signature on the Declaration of Independence is large and bold.
Who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Richard Henry Lee, George Wythe, Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Wolcott, Lewis Morris, Thomas McKean, and Matthew Thornton signed the document after August 2, 1776, as well as seven new members of Congress added after July 4.
Who has the biggest signature on the Constitution?
Symbolically the most famous signature in American history is linked with the Declaration of Independence, the most cherished symbol of liberty. But why did John Hancock sign his name proportionally larger than the rest of the delegates?
What did John Hancock say after signing the declaration?
When he signed the Declaration of Independence, he did it with a bold hand, in a conspicuous manner, and rose from his seat, pointing to it, and exclaimed, “there, John Bull can read my name without spectacles, he may double his reward, and I put him at defiance.”
How much is a John Hancock signature worth?
A visually stunning example of one of America's most beloved documents. Of course, the John Hancock autograph stands out. Sold for $21,963 .
