Story of John Hancock

Story of John Hancock

Book Review: “A Patriot’s Choice, the Story of John Hancock”
For the majority of people, John Hancock is the historical figure who signed his name the largest at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence. While this served as the greatest display of his power and importance in the society of the day, Hancock’s life took several turns while he slowly evolved into the political figurehead that he became. Being born and raised in a wealthy, Christian home while being educated in the finest schools in the country meant that Hancock was nurtured in an environment that gave him the optimum opportunity to pursue a career in politics. Hancock wanted the best for his beloved Boston, and he went about achieving this the best way he knew how: through leadership.
The Early Years
While the young colonies were struggling with the lack of cooperation from the crown, John Hancock and a group of men, some of whom Hancock had grown up with, were rational enough to communicate their concerns. Hancock’s ability to deal with difficult situations was harvested early in his life. Hancock’s father, Reverend Mr. Hancock, passed away when Hancock was the tender age of seven. With Hancock’s mother unable to support the children, Hancock was separated from his younger sister and brother, and sent to live with the wealthiest merchant in Boston, Massachusetts; his uncle Thomas Hancock.
Thomas Hancock resided in the Hancock mansion that overlooked all of Boston from Beacon Street. Hancock’s Auntie, Lydia, operated the shop front that sold many of the goods that Thomas Hancock’s ships imported. The trade merchant controlled the majority of goods circulating through Boston Harbor; actually having a wharf named in his honor. While his uncle was busy virtually running the city, John befriended the likes and John Adams and Paul Reveree; oblivious to the fact that one day he would replace his uncle as leader of the wealthiest colony in New England.
Hancock’s education was of...

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