<P> The most famous signature on the engrossed copy is that of John Hancock , who presumably signed first as President of Congress . Hancock 's large , flamboyant signature became iconic , and John Hancock emerged in the United States as an informal synonym for `` signature '' . Future presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were among the signatories . Edward Rutledge ( age 26 ) was the youngest signer and Benjamin Franklin ( age 70 ) the oldest . </P>
<P> The most famous signature on the engrossed copy is that of John Hancock , who presumably signed first as President of Congress . Hancock 's large , flamboyant signature became iconic , and John Hancock emerged in the United States as an informal synonym for `` signature '' . Future presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were among the signatories . Edward Rutledge ( age 26 ) was the youngest signer and Benjamin Franklin ( age 70 ) the oldest . </P>
who was the oldest signer of the declaration of independance
who was the oldest signer of the declaration of independance
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin