# 1687d - 1976 18c Hancock, Thomson
Birth Of Statesman John Hancock
As a child, he was a casual acquaintance of John Adams. After his father’s death in 1744, Hancock went to live with a wealthy aunt and uncle who exported rum, whale oil, and fish.
Hancock attended Harvard College and graduated in 1754. He then began working for his uncle as the French and Indian War began. During this time, Hancock learned a great deal about his uncle’s business, in which he would one day become a partner. As part of his work, Hancock spent a couple of years in England establishing a relationship with customers and suppliers. By 1763, Hancock returned to America and was a full partner, filling in for his sick uncle. After his uncle died the following year, Hancock inherited the business and family home, Hancock Manor.
As a rising figure in local politics, Hancock was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in May 1766. Many credit Samuel Adams in Hancock’s political success.
After the British partially repealed the Townshend duties in 1770, tensions were slightly alleviated. However, the 1773 Tea Act once again outraged the colonists. Hancock attended the December 16 meeting that preceded the Boston Tea Party. Though he didn’t participate in it or publicly praise it, he did tell those in attendance that night, “Let every man do what is right in his own eyes.”
Hancock evaded British capture and attended the Continental Congress in May 1775. He was unanimously elected president of the Continental Congress. His role was somewhat undefined but included a lot of correspondence. He wrote letters to colonial officials, raised funds for supplies and recruitment for the army. He also chaired the Marine Committee and helped establish a small fleet of frigates, including one named in his honor.
After suffering health issues for many years, Hancock died in his home, Hancock Manor, on October 8, 1793. His long-time friend Samuel Adams was acting governor following his death and made the date of his burial a state holiday. His funeral was one of the most lavish up to that time.
Birth Of Statesman John Hancock
As a child, he was a casual acquaintance of John Adams. After his father’s death in 1744, Hancock went to live with a wealthy aunt and uncle who exported rum, whale oil, and fish.
Hancock attended Harvard College and graduated in 1754. He then began working for his uncle as the French and Indian War began. During this time, Hancock learned a great deal about his uncle’s business, in which he would one day become a partner. As part of his work, Hancock spent a couple of years in England establishing a relationship with customers and suppliers. By 1763, Hancock returned to America and was a full partner, filling in for his sick uncle. After his uncle died the following year, Hancock inherited the business and family home, Hancock Manor.
As a rising figure in local politics, Hancock was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in May 1766. Many credit Samuel Adams in Hancock’s political success.
After the British partially repealed the Townshend duties in 1770, tensions were slightly alleviated. However, the 1773 Tea Act once again outraged the colonists. Hancock attended the December 16 meeting that preceded the Boston Tea Party. Though he didn’t participate in it or publicly praise it, he did tell those in attendance that night, “Let every man do what is right in his own eyes.”
Hancock evaded British capture and attended the Continental Congress in May 1775. He was unanimously elected president of the Continental Congress. His role was somewhat undefined but included a lot of correspondence. He wrote letters to colonial officials, raised funds for supplies and recruitment for the army. He also chaired the Marine Committee and helped establish a small fleet of frigates, including one named in his honor.
After suffering health issues for many years, Hancock died in his home, Hancock Manor, on October 8, 1793. His long-time friend Samuel Adams was acting governor following his death and made the date of his burial a state holiday. His funeral was one of the most lavish up to that time.