Hancock (1824-1886) graduated from West Point in 1844, then served in the Mexican War, Seminole War, and out west. He assisted Gen. George McClellan in organizing the Army of the Potomac and fought at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. His horse was shot out from under him at Gettysburg but he continued to command the troops. A tall, good-looking, dignified man, he was referred to by McClellan as "Hancock the Superb."

Hancock ran against General James A. Garfield as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency in 1880 and lost by only 10,000 votes.