JOHN HANCOCK, PATRIOT!

We continue with the  history of the signers of the Declaration of Independence with the name familiar to all who have read the famous document; John Hancock.  Born in Quincey, Mass. in 1737 he lost his father when very young and was raised by his Uncle.  Young Hancock worked as a clerk for his wealthy uncle and graduated from Harvard College at 17 years.  When his uncle died he was left with considerable wealth and property, including a fleet of trade vessels.
Hancock was very outspoken about the King's pressure on the colonies and backed the demonstration on the Green that resulted in the "Boston Massacre".  His ships  were stopped at sea and taken by the British which led to more agitation.  He made public speeches, was part of the "Tea" incident and for more than eight years a thorn in the side of the king.  When General Gates sent soldiers to Lexington it was to arrest John Hancock and Sam Adams.  They barely escaped and the stand at the Concord bridge, leading to shots fired and deaths on both sides brought on the long march back to Boston under fire from Americans behind walls and trees and houses.  Americans were fired up.
John Hancock's name appears at the top of the document, in bold hand.  He was Chairman of the committee and the only member of the committee to actually sign on July 4.  The rest signed as they arrived.  John Hancock served his country in many ways in spite of his poor health.  He was a signer of the Constitution and influenced others to do so.  He died in 1793 at age 55...Medicineman!