John Hancock

John Hancock, who was born on January 23rd, 1737, and died October 8th, 1793, was one of the most known Founding Fathers and patriots during the Revolutionary War. He was a famous merchant and the richest man in Boston, Masscahusetts. He was the president of the Second Continental Congress and the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, for he wanted King George III to read Hancock's large signature all the way from the colonies. Before the Revolution, Hancock learned politics from Samuel Adams, a wealthy political man from Boston. Hancock was a member of the Sons of Liberty, where he joined his master Adams and people like Paul Revere. During the uprise against Britain, Hancock used his wealth to support the colonies. When a customs offical boarded Hancock's personal ship, the Liberty, Hancock refused to give his taxes and left the ship to show his revolt. He was charged of smuggling. Hancock then was a delegate who served in Congress and asked Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration. After the war, Hancock was a big member of building society, including his contribution to the Constitution in 1788.