John Hancock was a popular merchant and a revolutionary figure who fought against British based colonial forces. Mr. Hancock was born on
23 January 1737. His birthplace was Braintree.
Hancock’s childhood was very rough. He became orphan when he was just a child. He was adopted by his uncle who that time was a very rich merchant. His uncle did so as he did not have any children of his own.
John Hancock went sent by his uncle to Harvard collage to study business. He did his graduation when he was seventeen year old.
Hancock started his career as an apprentice under his uncle and learned clerical work from him. Seeing his honesty and capability, his uncle sent him to England in 1760 for a business assignment.
In London, he was able to see the crowning of King George III. When his uncle left for heavenly abode in 1763. John Hancock got everything that belonged to his uncle and that was a huge wealth which no one else in England had. Due to the sudden gain in wealth his position in society also changed. Now his world had influential and people with power.
In 1768 a small vessel that belonged to Mr. Hancock was confiscated in Boston Harbor by the custom officials. They charged him of smuggling or black-marketing. People protested against this and stood by him. In 1776 when Peyton resigned, he became the President, but retired a year later because he had gout.
He was a very popular personality in every way and had great faith in common man. A decree was issued in 1776 in England and a reward was also announced if anyone could help catch several main persons. John‘s name was in it. He died when he was serving the term as governor for the ninth time. Another thing for which he is well known is his huge signature.
