Hello Steemians!
Welcome to today's episode of the "Today in History" serial, where I bring you daily historical facts and events of the current date.
On January 12, 1736, John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence has been born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
Portrait of John Hancock - John Singleton Copley
He was the wealthiest man of the Thirteen (British) Colonies, due to inheriting his Thomas Hancock's, his uncles mercantile business.
During the crisis that led to the American Revolution, John Hancock was one of Boston's leaders
He served as the President of the Second Continental Congress from may 24, 1775, to October 31, 1777.
He was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, with such a big signature that the his name became an synonym for "signature".
John Hancock's signature clearly seen in the middle
In October 1780. Hancock was elected the first Governor of Massachusetts, serving the mandate till January 1785, when he suddenly resigned blaming his health issues, but it is believed that he did it in order to avoid upcoming Shays's Rebelion.
Seal of the Governor of Massachusetts
Hancock's governing was criticized by many, he and often avoided. to deal with critical issues, still after resigning as governor he got elected as a delegate in the Continental Congress
He then got re-elected in 1787 as Governor of Massachusetts. In this mandate he pardoned the rebel and served for another 5 years till his death in 1793.
He died at the age of 56, on October 8, 1793, his burial was probably the biggest one held for an American at that time and also announced holiday.
Hancock memorial in Boston Granary Burying Ground
I hope you enjoyed today's tour through history and learning a bit more about who is behind one of the probably most known names in America!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.worldatlas.com
http://www.history.com
http://quotesgram.com
https://www.youtube.com
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