Thomas Hancock
1724 - 1764
Thomas Hancock was the uncle of John Hancock, the signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Hancock (1724-1764) began as an indentured apprentice to become a wealthy and powerful merchant. His business included retailing, wholesaling, importing, warehousing, ship and wharf ownership, investment banking, and real estate investing in Boston.
Hancock was childless and adopted his nephew, John Hancock, who was fatherless. In 1755, after John's graduation from Harvard, his uncle took him into the firm. John became a partner in the business in 1763, at which time the name of the company was changed to Thomas Hancock & Co.
On 1 August 1764, Thomas Hancock died of apoplexy. In his will, he left John Hancock sole ownership of the business.