George Hancock (June 13, 1754 – July 18, 1820) was an American lawyer, soldier, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Virginia. A veteran of the Revolutionary War, he represented Virginia in the Third and Fourth Congresses.
Early Life and Military Service
Hancock was born in Chesterfield County, Virginia, on June 13, 1754. He pursued classical studies and served in the Revolutionary War as a colonel of Infantry in the Virginia Line.
Legal and Political Career
Hancock studied law and was admitted to the bar in June 1774, commencing practice in Chesterfield County. He was appointed ensign in Chesterfield County in 1776 and later promoted to captain. He was admitted to the practice of law in Powhatan County in 1780 and later moved to Botetourt County, where he was admitted in 1782.
Hancock was appointed colonel of militia of Botetourt County on August 10, 1785. He served as Commonwealth’s attorney of Botetourt County from March 4, 1787, to October 11, 1789, and as deputy State’s attorney from 1789 to 1793.
He was elected as a Pro-Administration candidate to the Third Congress and reelected as a Federalist to the Fourth Congress, serving from March 4, 1793, to March 3, 1797.
Later Life and Death
After leaving Congress, Hancock engaged in the management of his estate, “Fotheringay,” in Elliston Valley, Montgomery County, Virginia, where he died on July 18, 1820. He was interred in a tomb on his estate.
Congressional Record
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