This brand new legislator had followed the growing tensions between England and North America over the issue of taxation. As a lawyer, he grimaced at the Sugar Act, and was outraged at the subsequent Stamp Act. Now, as a legislator, he believed he could do something about it.
The Assembly session had been winding down to a close, with most of the 116 members having left for home. But word came from Virginia's agent in London that the Stamp Tax would take effect in November, despite cordial protests that London had received from Virginia and many of the other colonies. During floor discussions on this latest news, he scribbled down a set of resolutions directed against Parliament over the issue of colonial taxation. Now, he rose to his feet to recommend his 6 resolutions for House approval.
Born May 29, 1736 in Hanover County, Patrick Henry was the son of John and Sara Winston Henry. Throughout his childhood, Henry reveled in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and hiking. Upon reaching his teen years, the exuberant, outdoors Patrick was guided by his family into more serious and scholarly training. Tutored by his father and uncle, Patrick Henry became a student of math, English, Latin and Greek. And, of course, the Bible - thanks largely to his uncle, the Reverend Patrick Henry. He became a voracious reader and consummate conversationalist. He loved to tell stories, argue issues, and be at the center of attention.
In 1751, Henry was sent to work in a store. He preferred storytelling and debate to working with customers, and found little success in that occupation. He later took up work as a farmer. When in 1754, Henry married Sarah Shelton, the couples' parents set the new bride and groom up on a farm with slaves. But in 1756, a restless and ambitious Henry sold the farm and opened up a store. After three years, the store was closed down - a failure in both farming and business.
