John Hancock’s large signature is the most prominent on the United States Declaration of Independence.
Hancock was president of the Second Continental Congress when the declaration was adopted. His signature appears first and is much larger than the others, which helped make “John Hancock” a familiar American expression for a signature.
The popular story that Hancock signed large enough for King George III to read it easily is a later anecdote rather than a documented explanation of his handwriting. His prominent position as presiding officer helps explain why his name appears first.
Hancock was a wealthy Massachusetts merchant and an important revolutionary leader. He later became governor of Massachusetts. His signature is one of the instantly recognizable visual features of the document commemorated by America250.