John Hancock

Born in Braintree (Massachusetts) in 1737, John Hancock graduated from Harvard when he was 17. He clerked for his wealthy uncle who sent the young man to Britain in 1760. While on that trip, John saw the coronation of George III.

Three years later, when he was 26, Hancock inherited his uncle's fortune (which made him one of the richest men in the colonies).

The Stamp Act was particularly onerous for Hancock since his large shipping business required him to sign many documents - all subject to the stamp-act tax.

Greatly upset about the situation, Hancock supported the colonies' independence from Britain.