Patrick HENRY, Congress, VA (1736-1799)

HENRY, Patrick, (grandfather of William Henry Roane, cousin of Isaac Coles, and great-great-great-grandfather of Robert Lee Henry), a Delegate from Virginia; born in Studley, Hanover County, Va., May 29, 1736; pursued classical studies; engaged in mercantile pursuits; studied law; plantation owner; was admitted to the bar in 1760; lawyer, private practice; moved to Louisa County in 1764; served as a member of the colonial house of burgesses in 1765; Member of the Continental Congress 1774-1775; colonel of militia, 1775-1776; delegate in the Williamsburg (Va.) convention of May 1776; Governor of Virginia 1776-1779 and 1784-1786; member of the State convention which ratified the Constitution in 1788; declined invitation to attend Federal Convention in Philadelphia in 1787; declined the appointment of delegate to Continental Congress, 1779; member, State house of delegates, 1780-1790; declined the appointment of United States Senator in 1794, the Cabinet portfolio of Secretary of State in 1795, the appointment of Chief Justice of the United States tendered by President Washington, and of Minister to France offered by President Adams; elected to the State senate in 1799, but did not take the seat; died in Red Hill, Va., June 6, 1799; interment on “Red Hill“ estate near Brookneal, Va.

Bibliography

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present