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Hancock, John (1737-1793), American patriot and statesman, who was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. Hancock was born in Braintree (now part of Quincy), Massachusetts. He was elected to the Massachusetts legislature in 1766. After the Boston Massacre of 1770, he served on the committee that demanded the removal of British troops from Boston. He worked closely with the revolutionary patriot Samuel Adams in the leadership of the Whig, or Patriot, Party. From 1775 to 1780 Hancock was a member of the Continental Congress, serving as a presiding officer during the first two years. By virtue of this office, he was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. He was the first governor of the state of Massachusetts, holding that office from 1780 to 1785 and from 1789 until his death.

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