John
Hancock
1737-1793
—
Opposed British stamp act . . . Signer of Declaration
of Independence . . . His signature appears first and is the largest thereon .
. . He lost most of his fortune during the war, having given over $100,000 to
the cause of freedom . . . Member of Continental Congress (1775-1780) . . . Served
as its president (1775-1777).
A
portion of his proclamation calling the state to prayer and thanksgiving issued
on October 15, 1791 while serving as governor of Massachusetts:
"And pray especially that universal happiness can be established in the world
and that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ and that the whole
Earth may be filled with his glory."[10]
Said
while president of the Continental Congress:
"Let
us humbly commit our righteous cause to the great Lord of the Universe."[1]