Best known for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock was an important political leader in Massachusetts in the period of the American Revolution. Prior to the war, he had become one of Boston's richest merchants. He aligned himself with Samuel Adams in opposition to the Stamp Act. Sent by Massachusetts to the Second Continental Congress, Hancock was elected its president. In 1780, he was elected the first governor of Massachusetts under its new constitution. At the Massachusetts state convention to consider ratification of the Constitution of the United States, Hancock's support was influential in the final decision.

John Hancock was born Braintree, Massachusetts, on January 12, 1737, the son of a Congregational clergyman. He died in 1793.