An American Founding Father

John Hancock Facts Born January 12, 1737–Died October 8, 1793 Raised in Braintree (Quincy) Massachusetts Graduated Harvard College at the age of 17!

John Hancock’s Childhood John Hancock was an orphan, and adopted by a wealthy merchant uncle who was childless. Apprentice to his uncle as a business merchant and in 1760 was sent to England for a business mission.

John Hancock’s Political Career 1766 –Elected to the Boston Assembly 1773 –Delegate to and President to the Congress of Massachusetts 1774 – Elected to the Continental Congress 1775 – Elected President of the Continental Congress 1793 – Governor of Massachusetts

John Hancock’s Famous Signature John Hancock is the most famous of the founding fathers. Was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. Known for his very large signature on the Declaration of Independence.

John Hancock’s Famous Signature John Hancock purposely wrote his signature large enough so King George could clearly read his name without his glasses! “John Hancock” has now become a synonym for the word “signature” or “autograph”.

John Hancock’s Famous Signature

References http://www.libertyskids.com/arch_who_jhancock.html http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers hancock.htm http://blog.hasslberger.com/2011/01 individual_freedom_the_shock_o.html http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/john-hancock- facts.html#ixzz1mlLCOeSl http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/john-hancock-facts.html http://americanrevunit.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html

An American Founding Father