Henry, Patrick

Henry, Patrick (b. Hanover County, Va., 29 May 1736; d. Charlotte County, Va., 6 June 1799) He first came to prominence in the Parsons Cause and entered the House of Burgesses in 1765, when he introduced the earliest—and most sweeping—resolutions against the Stamp Act. Henry’s resolutions inspired other colonies to follow suit and marked the beginning of united opposition to taxation without representation. As the most effective orator in Va., he led resistance to unconstitutional Parliamentary measures. He played a principal role in drafting the first Va. constitution, was its first governor, directed the Antifederalists in Va., and was a leading advocate for a federal Bill of Rights. He declined offers to be secretary of state and US chief justice.