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Hancock (JOHN an American revolutionary)

JOHN, an American revolutionary patriot and president of Congress; born in Quincy, Mass., Jan. 12, 1737. In the inception of the Revolutionary struggle he was a leading spirit. The attempt to arrest Hancock and Samuel Adams led to the battle of Lexington. Hancock was a member of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1780, also from 1785 to 1786, serving as president of the body from 1775 to 1777. The Declaration of Independence as first published bore only ly his name.

He served as governor of Massachusetts 12 years. As an orator he was eloquent; as a presiding officer, dignified and impartial. He died in Quincy, Mass., Oct. 8, 1793.