Description:

John Hancock Signed Document Just Seven Months Before His Death

1 sheet (front and back), measuring 7.5" x 5", Boston, dated March 21, 1793. A clipped document signed "John Hancock" in the House of Representatives. The front side has been signed by Hancock and two others, reading: "Prosecution of such Suits as he may judge necessary. Sent down for concurrence. Saml Phillips Pratt"; "Read and concurred David Cobb Spkr"; "Approved John Hancock". On verso is a partial handwritten document from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in the Senate and dated March 20, 1793. The document appears to be a court filing for a controversy over a land settlement claim. With flattened folds and light foxing. Bold and clear signature typical of Hancock.

John Hancock (1737-1793) graduated from Harvard College in 1754 and then joined his uncle, Thomas Hancock, in his shipping business. When Thomas Hancock died in 1764, John Hancock inherited the business and his uncle’s estate, becoming one of the wealthiest men in the colonies. Hancock used his wealth and influence to aid the movement for American independence. He was president of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777, when the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the United States was born. After the war, Hancock returned to Massachusetts and was elected Governor in a landslide vote. During the last few years of his health, he essentially held the office as a figurehead, due to his failing health. He died just seven months after signing this document.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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August 25, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
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University Archives

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