1737-1793. US revolutionary politician. As
president of the Continental Congress
1775-77, he was the first to sign the
Declaration of Independence in 1776. Because
he signed it in a large, bold hand (in
popular belief, so that it would be big
enough for George III to see), his name
became a colloquial term for a signature in
the USA. He coveted command of the
Continental Army, deeply resenting the
selection of George Washington. He was
governor of Massachusetts 1780-85 and
1787-93.