Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry was born in Hanover County, Virginia, on the 29th of May, 1736. He was educated by his father, and received a good English education. He engaged in mercantile pursuits, but was unsuccessful, and afterward studied law.

He was admitted to the bar, and soon became known as a powerful and eloquent advocate. His genius was of the highest order, and his oratory was irresistible. He took a prominent part in the resistance to the measures of the British government, and was one of the leaders of the patriot cause in Virginia.

His speech in the Virginia Convention, in which he declared, “Give me liberty or give me death,” thrilled the hearts of the people, and did much to prepare them for the struggle which followed. He was elected Governor of Virginia, and served several terms.

He was afterward elected to the Legislature, and continued to take an active part in public affairs. He was opposed to the adoption of the Constitution, fearing that it would lead to a consolidation of the government. He afterward gave it his support, and was offered the position of Secretary of State by President Washington, but declined it.

He died at Red Hill, Virginia, on the 6th of June, 1799. He was one of the greatest orators America has produced, and his memory is cherished by the people as that of one of the noblest of the patriots of the Revolution.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Patriot Echoes Archive