Although John Hancock’s name is synonymous with his famous signature, there is much more to this first signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a minister’s son, a wealthy merchant, and a determined patriot who risked all for the freedom of our nation.

When his father died, the seven year old Hancock went to live with his grandparents. His uncle, a wealthy merchant, took the young boy under his wings, raised him as his own, and left most of his fortune to him. At just 27 years old, Hancock was one of the richest people in Massachusetts. Instead of wasting his uncle’s fortune, he used it to help the poor and further the cause the of the patriots.

In addition to his many offices of public service, Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence and served as the President of the Massachusetts state convention that ratified the Declaration of Independence. He was still serving as Governor of Massachusetts when he died from gout at the age of fifty-six. He never gave up fighting for the good of the nation he loved so much.

Now is the part, where I have to admit that I’m not really that smart. Before I read the chapter about John Hancock in For You They Signed by Marilyn Boyer all I knew about him was his famous signature. Now I feel like I really understand the man and why he chose to sign the Declaration in such a bold manner.

In addition to the biographical facts about Hancock’s life, the chapter also contained primary source documentation, including quotes from his own speeches. At the end of the chapter there was a list of 20 questions about his life and the impact of his belief’s on his life. The questions also assigned a plan of action based on Hancock’s life.

As a homeschool mom in a family of history buffs, I was thoroughly impressed with this book. I loved learning more about the man behind the signature, his beliefs, and how he lived out those beliefs. I think this book would make a great addition to any family library!

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On behalf of to Master Books, you have a chance to win a downloadable copy of the chapter on John Hancock, from the book For You They Signed, by Marilyn Boyer. This chapter serves as a biography and character study of this notable signer of the Declaration of Independence.

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Entries will be received until 11:59pm Saturday, July 9. Winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on this site Sunday, July 10. Winner must claim prize by Wednesday, July 13 at 11:59pm, or a new winner will be drawn.