John Hancock, an important figure in the American Revolution, was a Founding Father, merchant, and statesman. He played a crucial role as the President of the Second Continental Congress and also served as the first and third Governor of Massachusetts. Having lost his parents as a child, he was taken in by his uncle, from whom he inherited a great deal of wealth. After graduating from Harvard College at 17, he worked for his uncle and although he was part of a society of loyalists in New England, Hancock became involved in revolutionary politics and supported independence from Great Britain. He worked with other leaders in the republican movement, including the Adamses, and was elected to various positions, including the Boston Assembly and the Continental Congress. He even played a role in events like the Boston Tea Party and commemoration of the Boston Massacre. Hancock was known for his support of the common man and his disdain for unreasoned authority. He also had a reputation for being bold, as demonstrated by his famous signature on the Declaration of Independence. He served as Governor of Massachusetts until his death in 1793.
