John Hancock was born on January 23 in 1737 in Braintree, Massachusetts; Hancock lived with his father who was a reverend until the older gentleman died in 1744. He was sent to live with his aunt and uncle, later becoming officially adopted by the couple as they had no children. He higher education consisted of attending Harvard University, and then became a successful merchant with his own shipping business. He journeyed to London for a time, later returning to the New World to take over his deceased uncles businesses and land.
In the 1760s he became immersed in politics as he commanded large protests against the highly unfair British taxes implemented in the American colonies. He went to court for the illegal imports of British goods, and later became a grand force in the mob against British forces. In 1775, he became the leader of the Continental Congress while fellow ally George Washington was commander of the Continental Army. He was the first to sign Declaration of Independence, his signature over exaggerated; afterward, the notion of signing one's name was known as leaving one's "John Hancock".
Hancock became the Massachusetts governor in the early 1780's; he resigned from his post just as he did from his presidency of the Congress due to ill health. He was reelected in 1787 after Shay's Rebellion had wracked the state. Hancock died in October of 1793 and was laid to rest in Boston.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
John Hancock
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Washington was appointed delegate for the First and Second Continental Congresses, which eventually contributed to his election as president/
ReplyDeleteJohn Hancock and John Dickinson both went to London and found out about the Enlightenment philosophy.
ReplyDeleteHancock tried to remain aloof from political aspects of British policy, although he criticized Parliament attempts to raise tax revenues from colonies as bad for business. Yet soon convinced that legislation, like Stamp Acts, attacked essential liberties.
ReplyDeleteJohn Hancock was a just man he wanted to see justice being done for the farmers in America because he was one himself until he stood up and joined a force that was against the British.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if he was reelected due to the roll he played in Shay's rebellion and if that caused him to be reelected.
ReplyDeleteHis resignation was coincided with Shays Rebellion though it was not said to have been the reason he was reelected.
DeleteJohn Hancock received special privileges through out his lifetime being head of the Continental Congress and being the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.
ReplyDeleteJohn Hancock is the complete opposite of my character Thomas Hutchinson.
ReplyDeleteI think its interesting how most American leader during these times attended Harvard University.
ReplyDelete