Courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

The signature of Benjamin Edwards in the receipt book of Thomas Hancock under an inscription which reads "Boston March 7th 1749 Received of Thomas Hancock five hundred pounds old tenor in parts of his tax" Thomas Hancock was one the wealthiest men in Boston. He lived in a magnificent mansion on Beacon Hill. His fortune was passed on to his nephew John Hancock at the time of his death in 1764. John Hancock would become well known as a member of the Sons of Liberty, signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.