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John HancockAmerican merchant and patriot
Date of Birth: 23.01.1737
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of John Hancock
John Hancock, an American merchant and patriot, played a crucial role in the American Revolution, being one of those responsible for its success. However, after his death, Hancock was largely forgotten, and many later historians downplayed his role in the events that led to the birth of the United States of America (USA). For many generations, the only thing Americans remembered about John Hancock was his elaborate and prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence – the largest among the 56 signatures, impossible to miss.
Early Life
John Hancock, the son of a clergyman, was born on January 23, 1737, in the town of Braintree, Massachusetts, which later became the independent city of Quincy. As a child, John became acquainted with John Adams, the future second president of the USA, as his father was the clergyman who baptized Adams as a baby. The family lived a quiet and comfortable life, even owning a slave who assisted Mrs. Hancock with household chores. In 1744, John's father passed away, and he was taken in by his childless uncle and aunt, Thomas and Lydia Hancock. Thomas owned a trading firm, importing industrial goods from Britain and exporting colonial products such as rum, fish, and whale oil. He was one of the wealthiest and most respected businessmen in Boston, living in a splendid mansion surrounded by servants and slaves, and all of this was expected to pass on to John, his nephew and adopted son.
Business Success
After graduating from Boston Latin School in 1750, John enrolled at Harvard College, where he obtained his bachelor's degree four years later. Following college, he joined his uncle's firm and began learning the secrets of the trade, preparing to become a partner and eventually take over the company. He worked hard and diligently, but also enjoyed the role of a wealthy aristocrat, indulging in expensive habits such as a passion for fine clothing, fine wines, and excellent cuisine. It is said that these luxuries eventually led to his downfall, as Hancock suffered from severe gout from a young age and passed away at the relatively young age of 56.
Political Career
In 1760-1761, John lived in England, strengthening the ties between his uncle's company and suppliers and clients. However, Thomas's failing health prompted the young Hancock to return to Boston and become a full partner in the "House of Hancock" in January 1763. When his uncle passed away in the summer of 1764, John found himself the owner of a highly successful trading enterprise, a luxurious mansion, several household slaves (who were granted their freedom in Thomas's will), and thousands of acres of land, making the 27-year-old Hancock one of the wealthiest individuals in all the American colonies.
Hancock's political career began with his election to the General Court of Massachusetts, and he held several other high-ranking positions at various times. However, it was not for these positions that he was beloved by the people. Hancock gained immense popularity in Massachusetts because it was on his ships that the first open confrontations with customs officials of the British crown began. When the colonists' outrage escalated into armed conflicts, the authorities promised amnesty to all except Hancock and his closest associate, Samuel Adams. This episode instantly made Hancock and Adams heroes. Additionally, being a wealthy man, Hancock generously financed the growing independence movement without hesitation when it came to money.
Legacy
When the first presidential elections were held in the United States in 1789, Hancock, then the governor of Massachusetts, participated in them but only received four out of 138 votes. However, it was widely believed that defeating George Washington in those elections was simply impossible. Hancock passed away on October 8, 1793. His wife, Dorothy Quincy, known at the time as a prominent socialite, outlived him by 37 years. Their children, a daughter and a son, died in infancy. Gradually, he was forgotten by most people. It was not until the 20th century that interest in John Hancock and his role in the American Revolution began to be revived. One version suggests that the extravagant and wealthy Hancock did not fit into the society of stern Puritans, leading to his subsequent neglect. However, today, this injustice has been rectified.
