Throughout American history, there are numerous people who stand out more and are emphasized more than others in our country's history. One man, John Hancock, is one of those amazing men who stands out. John was born on January 16, 1736 in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was the middle child of three children. He was the son of John Hancock, born June 1, 1702, in Lexington, Massachusetts and the son of Mary Hawke, born October 13, 1711, in Hingham, Massachusetts. His mother was married once before marrying Johns. Her marriage ended with the death of her ex-husband. John Hancock Sr was a "loyal Shepard". He always monitored the ethics and religious well-being of all members of the neighborhood. Ever since John (Jr.) was born, he was expected to go to Harvard. When he was six years old, his parents sent him to a local girls' school. He was subsequently sent to another institution, where he met John Adams, who became his friend. Like all other children, John learned the basics of writing, arithmetic and reading. All seemed to be going well, until the spring of 1774. His father had fallen ill, which would later kill him. His pain grew even more because they would have to move. Her mother's parents were both dead and she would have to make a very difficult choice. His anxiety about making that decision was lessened by the offer from the bishop and his wife to live with them in Lexington. A year later, John was sent to live with his Uncle Thomas and Aunt Lydia, and attended Boston Latin School. The move radically changed John Hancock's life. Thomas Hancock lived at Hancock Manor in Boston, where he had no children and was a privateer and merchant. John enrolled at Harvard University, earned his degree... halfway through an assignment... here, George the Third can read it without his glasses. Now you can double the reward on my head." Hancock was the only one to sign the Declaration of Independence on the 4th; the other delegates signed on August 2. He asked Washington to read the Declaration to the army. For much of the war, John lived in luxury. He and Dolly married in the summer of 1775. In 1776 he was appointed commander in chief of the Massachusetts militia. In July 1778 he led 6,000 militiamen in a failed attack on the British at Newport; Massachusetts. But he resigned. (Lee, 17-47) John Hancock died on October 8, 1793. It was a sad day. The funeral was held six days later. At 20,000 people gathered on the Common just from his signature. He is one of the extraordinary people who have changed the fate of our country.