John Hancock  was a merchant, statesman, and prominent patriot of the American Revolution. He served as president of the Second Continental Congress and was the first and third Governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. As president of the Congress, Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. Hancock died on October 8, 1793, at 56 years of age.

 
The United States marine Corps was formed on this date in 1775 under the
authority of the Continental Congress.