John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts January 23, in 1737. He was adopted by his Aunt Lydia and Uncle Thomas Hancock. His uncle was rich and he owned a shipping company. John graduated in 1754 from Harvard College. In 1764 his uncle died and he got the family business and money. In the 1760’s John began his career in politics. He became an important politician in Massachusetts. He was made a leader of the Massachusetts delegate to the second continental congress in 1774. In May 1775, John was made congress president and in August he married Dorothy Quincy. On July 4, 1776, he was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. His signature was very big and he had nice cursive handwriting. His signature is on display
