Brooklyn+Ringgold

__ The Famous Signature __ By: Brooklyn Ringgold

Before the American Revolution War, Hancock was one of the wealthiest men in the Thirteen Colonies having inherited a profitable shipping business from his uncle.Hancock began his political career in Boston as a protégé of Samuel Adams. He became very popular in Massachusetts after British officials seized his sloop Liberty and charged him with smuggling.

__What side did the leader support?__

Hancock was one of Boston’s leaders during the crisis that led to the American Revolution. He like many other people in America were a Patriot. Patriots were people who opposed the British rules and wanted America to be its own country.

__A summary of their major accomplishments.__

On May 24, 1775, he was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress.He was experienced, having often presided over legislative bodies and town meet. His position was somewhat ambiguous, because the role of the president was not fully in Massachusetts.

On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men. John Hancock being the first and largest. He wrote his name so larger that King George III could read his name without using his glasses.

__A description of how their life ended__

John Hancock was a great and respected man. His life ended with his wife at his side, he died in bed on October 8, 1793, at 56 years of age.