MA, USA
John Hancock
1737–1793 · Politician · Patriot Leader · Merchant
1737–1793
Politician · Patriot Leader · Merchant
John Hancock was one of the wealthiest men in Massachusetts and a prominent Patriot leader. By April 1775, he was effectively a fugitive from British authority, having been singled out along with Samuel Adams as a chief instigator of colonial resistance.
On the night of April 18-19, 1775, Hancock was staying at the home of Reverend Jonas Clarke in Lexington—the same house where he had grown up under the guardianship of his uncle Thomas Hancock. When Paul Revere arrived with his warning, Hancock reportedly wanted to take up arms and join the militia on the Green. Adams and others persuaded him that his political role was too important to risk.
Hancock and Adams fled Lexington before dawn, narrowly avoiding the British column. Hancock went on to serve as President of the Continental Congress and was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. His bold signature became a symbol of defiance. He later served as Governor of Massachusetts.
In Lexington
- Apr 1775Paul Revere and William Dawes Warn Lexington(Politician)
Shortly after midnight on April 19, Paul Revere arrived at the Hancock-Clarke House to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British regulars were marching toward Lexington and Concord. William Dawes arrived approximately half an hour later, having taken a different route from Boston through Roxbury. Revere had been rowed across the Charles River and obtained a horse in Charlestown. He spread the alarm through Medford, alerting households along the way. His ride was not a solo mission but part of an organized alarm network that brought hundreds of militiamen to the roads that morning. After warning Adams and Hancock, Revere and Dawes continued toward Concord, joined by Dr. Samuel Prescott. British patrol captured Revere, but Prescott escaped to complete the warning to Concord.
- Apr 1775Hancock and Adams Warned at Clarke House(Politician)
Shortly after midnight on April 19, Paul Revere arrived at the Hancock-Clarke House where John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying as guests of Reverend Jonas Clarke. Sergeant William Munroe, standing guard outside, initially told Revere not to make so much noise. Revere replied that noise was exactly what was needed—the British regulars were coming. Inside, Hancock reportedly wanted to stay and fight, but Adams convinced him that their political leadership was too valuable to risk. Dorothy Quincy, Hancock's fiancée, and Aunt Lydia Hancock helped prepare for the hasty departure. By the time the British column reached Lexington Green, the two most wanted Patriots had already escaped toward Woburn.
- Apr 1775Adams and Hancock Flee to Safety(Politician)
Samuel Adams and John Hancock had been staying at the Hancock-Clarke House, home of Reverend Jonas Clarke, when Revere arrived with his warning. The British expedition's purpose was to seize military supplies at Concord—and possibly to arrest these two radical leaders. After considerable debate (Hancock reportedly wanted to stay and fight), the two men were persuaded to flee. They departed before dawn, narrowly avoiding capture. Their escape ensured the Revolution retained two of its most important political leaders. As they heard the distant gunfire from Lexington Green, Adams reportedly exclaimed: "What a glorious morning for America!" Whether apocryphal or not, the sentiment captured the understanding that a new era had begun.