Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736 in the frontier region of Hanover, Virginia. He was raised by a family of social grace and aristocracy. Patrick was given the best education from his parents, Colonel John and Sarah Henry. The event that had the most effect on young Patrick was listening to the sermons of Samuel Davis with his mother.

At the age of 18, Henry married and started his own farm. When he was 21, a fire broke out and destroyed his home. He decided to return to his childhood job as a store keeper. Two years later, hopelessly in debt and with four children, Henry devoted his life to law. He received his license in 1760 and became a very successful lawyer.

Within a few years, Henry's reputation had spread throughout Virginia. In 1765 he was elected to the House of Burgesses. Patrick proposed seven resolutions in reaction to the Stamp Act. He pushed for his resolutions in a famous speech that ended, "Caesar had his Brutus-Charles the first, his Cromwell-and George the third-may profit by their example...If this be treason, make the most of it." Five out of his seven were passed in May of 1765. Henry became a political figure in the colonies and a leader of revolution. He supported armed resistance, or the act of using weapons against the British. In a speech about resistance, Patrick declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" He was a great leader and a gifted speaker. He was also a member of the 1st and 2nd Continental Congress. Henry was later appointed Commander-in-Chief of Virginia's military and Colonel of the first regiment. On February 28, 1776, Patrick Henry, infuriated by state decisions, left his position and returned home.