John Hancock: Altered America's History

            In all of American history, there are many men who stand out and emphasize the history of our country. John Hancock, is one of those extraordinary men that stand out. John"s life began on January 23, 1737 in Braintree, Massachusetts. John was the middle child of three. He was the son of Rev. John Hancock, born on June 1, 1702 in Lexington, Massachusetts and son of Mary Hawke, born on October 13, 1711 in Hingham, Massachusetts. Mary was once married before she married John Hancock Sr. Her previous marriage ended in her former husband"s death. Rev. John Hancock was well-liked by his parish, was paid well, and was provided a very comfortable home. In return of their generosity, he was a "faithful shepherd." He kept an attentive watch over the morals and religious well-being of all members of the parish.

             Ever since John"s (Jr.) birth, it was believed that he would go to Harvard. At the age of six, his parents sent him to a local private school. Later he was sent to another school, in which he met John Adams, with whom he struck up a casual acquaintance. Like all the other children in town, he learned the basics of reading, writing, and math. All things seemed to go well, until the spring of 1774. His father came down with an illness, and died. His sadness grew because they would have to move. Mary"s parents were both dead and a very difficult decision to move would have to be made.

             Her anxiety to make that decision was lessened by the invitation from the bishop and his wife, to live with them in Lexington. A year later, John was sent away to live with his uncle Thomas and aunt Lydia, and to attend the Boston Latin School. This move altered John Hancock"s life and altered the history of America.

             The August he arrived, John went with his uncle and applied to the school. John was accepted almost immediately, after reading some verses from the bible. His age caused a slight problem, he was almost nine years of age and all the first graders were almost seven.

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