The Early Years
John Hancock was born in Massachusetts January 12, 1737. Hancock became an orphan at a young age and was adopted by a wealthy merchant who did not have children. (www.ushistory.org). John Hancock earned an education from Harvard majoring in business like his adopted guardian(www.ushistory.org). Soon after completing his education Hancock found that his real passion was for politics consisting of independence from Great Britain (www.ushistory.org).
Before the Revolution
During the time between his early years and the Revolution John Hancock was playing a role in politics. (www.ushistory.org). He was elected to the Boston Assembly in 1766, then the delegate to the President of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts in 1773 (www.ushistory.org). Hancock continued to advance in his political career by being elected to the Continental Congress in 1774 eventually elected as President of the Continental Congress in 1775 (www.ushistory.org). Finally, Hancock became a Member of the Massachusetts state Constitutional Convention and elected Governor of Massachusetts by 1793 (www.ushistory.org). During this time John Hancock influenced the revolution by fighting against taxes imposed by Great Britain and gave a speech in outrage concerning the Boston Massacre (www.ushistory.org).
Revolution to Death
During the revolution John Hancock helped create the Declaration of Independence, a well known document today that declared to the King of Britain that the colonies will not be a part of Britain anymore (http://www.archives.gov). John Hancock died on October 8, 1793, at the Hancock Manor serving as Governor of Massachusetts. Hancock was given an important grave stone as shown below (image2.findagrave.com).
The Location of John Hancock's grave in Boston.(Boston, MA 02108)