John Hancock was a patriot, rebel leader and a merchant. On July 4, 1776, Hancock signed his name in giant strokes on the Declaration of Independence. The boldness of his signature struck Americans of the perfect expression of the strength, freedom, and defiance of an individual named John Hancock. His first term was from May 24, 1775 to October 30, 1777, and the second from November 23, 1785 to June 1786. Hancock was the presiding officer when the members approved of the Declaration of Independence. Because of Hancock’s position he had to sign the document first.

As early as 1768, Hancock defied the british by refusing to pay the custom charges on the cargo of one of the ships. He was elected as the first President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. After he was chosen to take part in this job, Hancock became know beyond the borders of Massachusetts. He hoped to be named commander of the American force, until John Adams nominated George Washington.

In 1778 he was commissioned Major General and took part in a campaign in Rhode Island. John helped win ratification in Massachusetts, meaning that he gained enough recognition to make him a President of the United of the States, but instead he saw George Washington collect the prize. Much like his rival, George Washington, John Hancock was a wealthy man who risked many important things for independence. He supported the cause of being patriotic, even though he lacked the brilliance of Adams, he became one of the greatest leaders of the new nation..