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Birth
John Hancock was born in Quincy, Massachusetts on January 12, 1737. -
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John Hancock's Life
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Early Life
John Hancock was an orphan who lived with his uncle. He graduated from Harvard College at the age of 17. -
The Liberty Ship
John Hancock's ship, Liberty, was boarded by the British troops and its contents were confiscated. The British believed he was smuggling goods. The ship was later burned. -
Second Continental Congress
In 1775 John Hancock was elected President of the Second Continental Congress. -
Signing of the Declaration of Independence
John Hancock was the President of the Congress when the Declaration of Independence was signed. He signed his name really big so that the King of England, King George, could read it without needing his glasses. -
Later Life and Death
John Hancock retired from Congress and became the Governor of Massachusetts. He died on October 8, 1793.
