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Born on January 12, 1737, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, John Hancock found his life altered by the death of his father in 1744. The following year young Hancock moved in with his affluent uncle, Thomas, who lived in Boston. This decision set Hancock’s life on a course of wealth and privilege that afforded him the opportunity to be a generous public servant. His wealth and popularity in Boston made him a central figure in the American Revolutionary cause.