John Hancock chaired the Second Continental Congress when it adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Hancock served as president of the Second Continental Congress from May 1775 until October 1777. In that position, he presided over the congressional body that adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776.
He is also famous for his large signature on the document. Hancock’s signature appears first among those of the 56 delegates who signed the engrossed Declaration, although the signing process extended beyond July 4.
A frequent mistake is naming Thomas Jefferson because Jefferson drafted the principal text, or George Washington because he commanded the Continental Army. Benjamin Franklin also helped shape the document, but Hancock held the congressional presiding office.