Yes, they did hand out copies of the declaration. To whom and for what reason I do not know, but I would assume for advertising purposes. I know they did because I have a copy. The business was formed in 1862 during the civil war so I would think (!!) not before that.
"John Hancock" is presumably the problematic term in that phrase, the rest of it is pretty straightforward. "John Hancock" is slang for "signature", coming from the very prominent signature of John Hancock on the US Declaration of Independence. The John Hancock Life Insurance company had a commercial jingle featuring the line "put your John Hancock on the John Hancock".
Declaration of Independence
John Hancock (1737-1793), orphaned as a boy, was adopted by a rich uncle who had no children of his own. Hancock is best remembered for his large, flamboyant signature on the Declaration of Independence.
The important historical document that John Hancock is known for signing is the Declaration of Independence of the British Colonies in America.
John Hancock, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.
John Hancock's signature is the largest on the Declaration of Independence.
"John Hancock" is presumably the problematic term in that phrase, the rest of it is pretty straightforward. "John Hancock" is slang for "signature", coming from the very prominent signature of John Hancock on the US Declaration of Independence. The John Hancock Life Insurance company had a commercial jingle featuring the line "put your John Hancock on the John Hancock".
Declaration of Independence
John Hancock.
John Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress and the first to sign the Declaration of Independence.
John Hancock was one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence. His signature appears very large because he was very proud.
John Hancock
John Hancock
For his signature on the Declaration of Independence.
John Hancock
john Hancock
john Hancock