Famous Folks and the Declaration of Independence

Earlier this week, we showed  you how Reese Witherspoon was related to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Witherspoon. Now lets take a look at how some other famous faces are related to the people who signed the Declaration on July 4, 1776!

Matt Damon grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts and attended Harvard University. Did you know he is related to fellow Massachusetts resident John Adams? He is Matt Damon’s fourth cousin 7 times removed! The Founding Father and second President of the United States assisted Thomas Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Matt’s childhood buddy and 10th cousin once removed, is actor Ben Affleck. He is related to Samuel Adams, one of the architects of American republicanism. He is Affleck’s third cousin 8 times removed!

Did you know Samuel Adams was the second cousin of John Adams?

Famous signatory John Hancock is related to American film icon John Wayne. He is John Wayne’s fifth cousin 6 times removed! Hancock was president of Congress when the Declaration of Independence was signed. His large, flamboyant signature on the Declaration made such an impression in history that “John Hancock” has become a synonym for signature.

And how does Thomas Jefferson, the primary drafter of the Declaration of Independence, relate to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II? He is her 6th cousin five times removed!

Are you related to these famous faces? Let us know in the comments below!