Timeline

Chronological events in the life of John Hancock

1737

January 23: John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, present day the City of Quincy. His parents were Reverent John Hancock and Mary Hawke Thaxter. See biography.

1744

His father, John Hancock, died. Young John moved with his paternal uncle Thomas Hancock and his wife Lydia Henchman. He was eventually adopted by the childless couple and raised as their own son.

1750

Hancock graduated from the Boston Latin School where the sons of the Boston elite got their education. The school had prominent Bostonians as its alumni. The BLS is the oldest existing school in the United States.

Hancock’s first year in Harvard College.

1754

Graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree.

1754-1757

Worked for his uncle in the House of Hancock as an apprentice.

1758-1761

Lived in England where he furthered his studies in commerce and forged relationships with his uncle’s business partners.

1762

Moved back to Massachusetts where he slowly took over the family business, The House of Hancock, as Tomas Hancock’s health deteriorated.

1763

Became full partner in The House of Hancock.

1764

Thomas Hancock died and John inherited the business, properties and thousands of acres of land. At age 27 he was one of the richest men in Massachusetts.

1765

The start of Hancock\’s political career, he was elected as Boston selectman.

The Stamp Act met resistance in the colonies.

Samuel Adams and John Hancock became friends.

1766

Took active role in the repeal of the Stamp Act by participating in the boycott of British goods.

Hancock was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and served until 1772.

1767

Parliament approved the Townshend Acts.

Hancock participated in the boycott of British goods organized by the Sons of Liberty.

His sloop Liberty was seized by customs officers on suspicion of smuggling. Hancock was fined £9,000 and retained John Adams as his counsel.

After the Liberty affair his political career changed dramatically. He started supporting the extremist position of the Sons of Liberty.

1770

Boston Massacre. As a member of the Massachusetts House of Representative Hancock met with Thomas Hutchinson and demanded the troops removed to Castle Williams. His success made him a popular hero and the following year was elected to the General Court.

1772

Elected to the Massachusetts General Court and served until 1774.

1773

Selected Treasurer of Harvard College.

1774

Elected as President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress.

During the fourth anniversary of the Boston Massacre, John Hancock gave a speech known as the Boston Massacre Oration.

1775

Member of the Second Continental Congress.

May: Unanimously elected President of the Second Continental Congress.

August 28: Married Dorothy Quincy.

Closed the House of Hancock.

1776

First Major General of the Massachusetts Militia.

John and Dorothy had their first child, Lydia, who died as an infant.

1777

First signer of the Declaration of Independence.

1778

The couple had a second child who they named John Hancock.

Led 6,000 soldiers in the Battle of Newport and failed to command his troops. End of military career.

1780

President of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention that ratified the Massachusetts Constitution.

1780-1785

Elected first Governor of the State of Massachusetts with more than 90% of the popular vote.

1785-1787

Affected by gout, an inflammatory disease that affects the joints.

1786

Shay’s rebellion

1787

John Hancock’s son died from a head injury.

1787

Re elected as Governor of the State of Massachusetts.

1789

Run for first presidential election with George Washington and John Adams. Hancock received a disappointing four electoral votes. Washington was elected the first president of the United States and John Adams Vice President.

1793

October 8: Died at age 56. He was survived by his wife Dorothy.

His funeral was organized by his longtime friend Samuel Adams. John Hancock is buried at Boston’s Granary Burying Ground.

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