Patrick Henry

Shelton House - Shenk

Parson's Cause by Cooke

Patrick Henry Rothermel

Washington Pendleton Henry cropped

Patrick Henry speaking before the Virginia Assembly

His Master's Voice (small)

Patrick Henry (May 29, 1736 – June 6, 1799) was an American attorney, planter, politician, and orator best known for his declaration to the Second Virginia Convention (1775): "Give me liberty, or give me death!" A Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786.

Early Life

Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia. He was the second of nine children born to John and Sarah Winston Henry. His father was a Scottish immigrant who had attended King's College, Aberdeen, and his mother was from a prominent local family. Henry received a basic education from his father and uncle, who taught him the classics, history, and some law.

Legal Career

Henry began his career as a lawyer in 1760 after a brief stint as a storekeeper and planter. He gained a reputation for his oratory skills and his ability to argue cases effectively. His most famous case was the Parson's Cause in 1763, where he argued against the British Crown's interference in colonial matters, which helped to establish his reputation as a leading advocate for colonial rights.

Political Career

Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765, where he quickly became known for his opposition to the Stamp Act 1765. His resolutions against the Stamp Act were some of the first expressions of colonial resistance to British policy. Henry's passionate speeches and leadership helped to galvanize the American colonies towards independence.

Governor of Virginia

Henry served as the first post-colonial Governor of Virginia from 1776 to 1779 and again from 1784 to 1786. During his tenure, he worked to support the American Revolutionary War effort and to establish a stable government in Virginia. He was a strong advocate for individual liberties and was instrumental in the adoption of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which later influenced the United States Bill of Rights.

Later Life and Legacy

After his terms as governor, Henry retired from public life but remained an influential figure. He declined several offers to serve in the federal government, including positions as Secretary of State and Chief Justice of the United States. Henry passed away on June 6, 1799, at his plantation, Red Hill, in Charlotte County, Virginia.

Patrick Henry is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the American struggle for independence. His speeches and writings continue to be studied for their rhetorical brilliance and their impact on American political thought.

Related Pages

• American Revolution
• Founding Fathers of the United States
• Virginia House of Burgesses
• Stamp Act 1765
• Virginia Declaration of Rights
• United States Bill of Rights