Patrick Henry (1736-1799).- American orator and statesman, and a leading patriot of the American Revolution. Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia, and was raised on a tobacco plantation. He attended a local school for only a short time and was tutored by his father, John Henry.

Henry married Sarah Shelton in 1756 and turned his attention to the study of law. He received his license to practice law in 1760 and soon acquired a large country clientele.

Henry soon became a leading political figure in Virginia. At the Virginia Convention in Richmond in 1775, he successfully sponsored measures for armed resistance to the British. His speech in support of the resolutions concluded with the now historic words:

"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

In 1799, at the urging of President George Washington, Henry ran for a seat in the Virginia legislature.

He died on June 6, 1799, at Red Hill, his plantation home, before he could take his seat in the legislature.