John Hancock

John Hancock, born January 23rd 1737 in Braintree Massachusetts, was a significant colonial American in the 18th Century. He attended Harvard University and graduated in 1754, making Hancock one of the most educated men of his time, allowing him to use his skills to influence and change America.
Although he faced criticism from the public for openly living an expensive and wealthy lifestyle, Hancock was a key figure in the American Revolution. This was surprising due to his love of English culture and fashion, and general loyalty to the British. He was involved in protests against the British rule of America in the 1760s and 1770s, including in the wake of the Boston Massacre in 1770, where he chaired a committee which sought to vanquish the area of British forces.
Following the Continental Congress meeting in May 1775, Hancock was made Congress President. However his presidential influence was limited, meaning all he could offer at the time was his extensive resources to the Continental Army, led by George Washington.
Hancock was also the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, liberating the 13 states from the British. It was noted that Hancock's signature was written rather extravagantly, leading to the phrase, "leaving your John Hancock" being coined, when one is required to sign something. This in itself shows the importance of Hancock as a colonial American, as that phrase is still used today. But also, the fact that most men with wealth and an education like Hancock, in the 18th Century, supported the British, and Hancock chose to defect, highlights fundamental American ideologies, such as freedom and self reliance; he didn't want America to submit to the British dictatorship any longer. In addition, Hancock reached positions of power via democratic elections, such as in 1780, where he became the first governor of Massachusetts, despite initially not being popular with the public. His determination to succeed in a particular field and work hard for self improvement and fulfilment, is another key part of the American dream, exhibited by John Hancock.
On the 8th October, 1793, John Hancock died.

References:

https://www.landofthebrave.info/life-of-john-hancock.htm
http://www.biography.com/people/john-hancock-9327271
Unger, H. G. John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot. Oxford: Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2000.