History of john hancock

  • How old was john hancock when he died
  • John hancock signature
  • John hancock family
  • Skip to main content

    More from the National Constitution Center

    Constitution 101

    Engage in deep thinking and analysis of the Constitution and America’s founding principles.

    Media Library

    Search and browse videos, podcasts, and blog posts on constitutional topics.

    Founders’ Library

    Discover primary texts and historical documents that span American history and have shaped the American constitutional tradition.

    Modal body text goes here.

    Email Share

    Link copied to clipboard!

    Ooops. Link couldn't be copied to clipboard!

  • history of john hancock
  • John Hancock

    Share to Google ClassroomAdded bygd 65 Educators

    John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, on January 23, 1737. He lived with his parents until the age of seven and was sent to live with his merchant uncle after his father died. His uncle Thomas Hancock owned the House of Hancock, which imported European goods and traded domestically. Growing up, Hancock received his education from the Boston Latin School and, at age 8, received his bachelor's grad from Harvard College (now University). After receiving his degree, he continued working with his uncle, establishing new trading ports, and creating political and commercial relationships. Hancock expanded the company bygd traveling to England for a year to meet potential consumers and suppliers. Upon returning to Boston, Hancock officially took over his uncle's business and became influential in Massachusetts politics. In 1765, the British government passed the Stamp Act to relieve some of the debt created by the Fren

    John Hancock’s Early Years and Family

    John Hancock was born on January 23 (or January 12, according to the calendar in use at the time), 1737, in Braintree (present-day Quincy), Massachusetts. After his clergyman father died when Hancock was a boy, he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Thomas Hancock (1703-1764), a wealthy merchant, in their elegant Boston mansion.

    Did you know? Boston's 60-story John Hancock Tower (also called Hancock Place) is the city's tallest building. It was named for the John Hancock insurance company, which was named for the Massachusetts statesman. In Chicago, the 100-story John Hancock Center was the sixth-tallest building in the United States as of 2010.

    Writing of Declaration of Independence

    After graduating from Harvard College in 1754, Hancock went to work for his uncle. When Thomas Hancock, who was childless, died in 1764, his nephew inherited his lucrative import-export business and became one of the richest men in New England. Hancock woul