John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts

On this day in 1737, founding father, successful merchant, and first signer of the Declaration of Independence John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. Before the Revolution, Hancock was one of the wealthiest men in New England and used his money and influence to forward the movement for American independence.

He’s perhaps best known for his prominent signature on the Declaration, which we still reference while talking about signatures.

Did you know? During the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Hancock had to be persuaded not to fight. Though he wished to fight alongside the patriots, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere finally convinced him that his potential capture would be too great a moral victory for the British.