Introduction
The man who became best known for his quote, "Give me liberty or give me death." is none other than American Revolutionary War hero Patrick Henry. As one of nine kids, he was mainly homeschooled by his father and his uncle. However, when he took the initiative to learn law on his own, what resulted was a journey that would ultimately make him forever famous in American History. Topping the long list of accomplishments throughout his life is the fact that he became one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was the most outspoken advocate for The Bill of Rights, the reason why we have the freedoms we have today. On this page are lists of interesting facts about Patrick Henry. This short biography includes information on what role he played in the American Revolution, why he is famous, how he helped create The Bill of Rights, and when he died. This information is written for both kids and adults.Click here for a great selection of Amazon.com books about Patrick Henry.
Patrick Henry Early Years Facts
- Patrick Henry was born on a plantation in Hanover County, Virginia on May 29, 1736.
- His early jobs began in the private business arena where he worked as an apprentice to a storekeeper, a tobacco farm manager, and manager of a family run bar.
- The Hanover county Courthouse was across the street from the bar where Patrick Henry was the manager. It was during this time that he actively pursued his interest in law by attending trials and studying law.
Patrick Henry Interesting Facts
- Patrick Henry's uncle was a great influence in his early years. He instilled a Christian based faith in him. This faith enabled him to speak with passion and conviction in such a manner that he was able to influence and inspire others.
- As an American patriot who was growing exceedingly unhappy with the British stronghold over the colonists, Patrick Henry's acts of rebellion played a significant role in the start of the American Revolution.
- Patrick Henry received his license to practice law in 1760 and went from a relatively unknown country boy to a powerful and outspoken lawyer and politician.
- Arguing for colonial rights and less interference by the King of England, he won his first and most famous case, the Parson's Cause.
- In another act of discontent with British rule, he outspokenly opposed the Stamp Act of 1765 in which the British imposed a tax on all printed paper and insisted that the paper come solely from London. His part in the Stamp Act Congress, to protest this unfair act, led the colonists one step closer to the start of the American Revolution in 1775.
- After the American Revolution and the creation of the United States Constitution, Patrick Henry spoke out yet again. His fear that the Constitution would infringe on both state and individual rights led him to fight for the addition of the first 10 amendments of the Constitution, called The Bill of Rights.
- This great patriot died on June 6, 1799 from stomach cancer.
List of Offices Held by Patrick Henry
- 1765-1775 - Delegate, Virginia House of Burgesses
- 1773 - Virginia Committee of Correspondence
- 1774-1775 - Delegate, Continental Congress
- 1776 - Delegate, Virginia Convention
- 1776-1779 and 1784-1786 - Governor of Virginia
- 1788 - Delegate, Virginia Constitution Ratification Convention