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Hancock, John (Merchant statesman was born)

merchant, statesman, was born Jan. 12, 1737, in Quincy, Mass. In 1766 he went into the general assembly of the state, where he became distinguished for his ability. In 1774 he was unanimously elected president of the provincial congress, and having been elected delegate to the continental congress in 1775, was chosen president of that a body, serving as such two years and a half, and as a delegate from 1775 to 1780, and from 1785 to 1786.

He was the first man to sign the declaration of independence, and his peculiar signature is universally known. He also signed the articles of confederation; was a member of the convention to form a state constitution; and was governor of Massachusetts for five years, after the adoption of its constitution, and, under the federal constitution from 1789 until his death. He died Oct. 8, 1793.