 |
This is an American history educational moment of those who made a difference during the Revolutionary War era and how they served our country.
John Hancock is a renowned Founding Father for several reasons. One is his king-size signature on the original Declaration of Independence.
Hancock was born in 1737 in Braintree (now Quincy), Mass. John lost his father when he was seven. As John’s mother was poor and became homeless, she sent him to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle, Lydia and Thomas Hancock. Being childless, they showered John with the luxuries of life, including a Harvard education.
Though John missed his mother and siblings, he adored his aunt and uncle and later inherited their wealth. His lifelong friend, Samuel Adams, introduced Hancock to the Revolutionary War efforts, which brought him into conflict with British policies.
Adams and Hancock had a symbiotic relationship. Hancock financed Adams’ political activities. Hancock wanted to fight the invading British as a Minuteman, but Adams convinced him he was more valuable as a political leader. However, Hancock was a businessman at heart and initially became a political leader in protecting his economic interests.
Hancock was the president of Massachusetts before statehood, then served as president of the Second Continental Congress. Unfortunately, he died at 56, during his 11th year as governor of Massachusetts.
The legend continues that Hancock boldly signed the Declaration of Independence so King George III of England could see it without glasses. As a result, the phrase “place your John Hancock here” when signing essential documents became an idiom.
When rallying citizens against the British, Hancock said, “Let every man do what is right in his own eyes.” Hancock was a true patriot and Founding Father, whose legends about him are truly as great as the person.
Visit the local Charters of Freedom setting on Valley River Avenue in downtown Murphy. A Charters of Freedom setting consists of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. They are on permanent display analogous to the Charters of Freedom at the National Archive in Washington.
For details, visit FoundationForward.com to learn more about our settings.
Teachers are encouraged to contact me for information and complementary student education materials to enhance experiential field trips to a Charter of Freedom settings. In addition, everyone is welcome to obtain a personalized engraved legacy paver for placement at their local Charters of Freedom setting.
Email david.streater@mymail.barry.edu.