John Hancock, Signature on Document

Description

John Hancock signature on a document summoning a Senator to General Court in Massachusetts. The recipient, William Phillips, was a Boston merchant, politician, and a major benefactor to Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.

Unlike his brothers–Harvard men– he embarking on a career in the merchant trade, working in the warehouse of merchant Edward Bromfield. He eventually became Bromfield’s business partner. He also married  his daughter. William and his brother Samuel, Jr. equally funded Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. He was also on the Board of Trustees. Phillips Academy is the oldest incorporated academy in the United States. Their uncle, Dr. John Phillips, founded Phillips Exeter Academy. Rival schools, Phillips prepared young men to attend Yale; while Phillips Exeter prepared young men to attend Harvard. Both schools are highly respected. Phillips Academy boasts a long list of notable alumni,  including George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. Robert Lincoln attended Phillips Exeter for a year after failing the entrance exam at Harvard. Franklin Pierce and  Ulysses S. Grant, Jr. are alumni as well.

Hancock, John. Document Signed, 12 May, 1788. Folio, printed document accomplished in manuscript summoning the Honorable William Phillips, Esquire, Senator, to attend the Massachusetts General Court, Wednesday, 28 May, 1788, with embossed state seal, signed “John Hancock” as Governor, 13 x 8 1/4 in.