John Hancock

John Hancock (1737–1793) was an American merchant and patriot who became a leading figure in the American Revolution. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard College and built a successful career in Boston commerce. Hancock served as president of the Second Continental Congress (1775–1777), presiding during the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which he signed first as its presiding officer—helping make his name synonymous with a bold signature. He also served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and later as the first governor of Massachusetts under its state constitution, holding the office for most of the years from 1780 until his death.