John Hancock was the first and largest-name signer of the Declaration of Independence, a key America250 document.
Hancock served as president of the Second Continental Congress when the Declaration was adopted. His signature appears prominently in the center beneath the text, written much larger than the other names. The bold autograph helped make his name a cultural synonym for a signature in American English.
Hancock was a wealthy Boston merchant and an important Massachusetts political leader. Before becoming president of Congress, he had been active in resistance to British policies and was a major figure in the revolutionary movement.
The Declaration was drafted chiefly by Thomas Jefferson, but Hancock's role was different: he presided over the congressional body that considered and adopted it. John Hancock is therefore often confused with Jefferson in questions about authorship. Hancock's famous signature represents the formal congressional endorsement of the document.