Patrick Henry's Family Life

by Jane
(Portland, Oregon)

One of the most inspiring aspects of Patrick Henry's life was his success at balancing public and private life. He was a devoted family man as well as a gifted public servant.

He had six children by his first marriage to Sallie and 11 by his second marriage to Dolly. This many children led, of course, to "countless" grandchildren.

Patrick Henry's great-granddaughter recalled that "He was greatly attached to his children, whom he treated as companions and friends." It was not uncommon to find a writhing ball of children on the Patrick's living room floor. At length would emerge from the bottom of the pile none other but the distinguished statesman himself.

As one friend described it, "His visitors have not infrequently caught him lying on the floor, with a group of these little ones climbing over him in every direction, or dancing around him with...mirth, to the tune of his violin, while the only contest seemed to be who should make the most noise."

After his time as governor of Virginia had expired, Patrick Henry was invited on several occasions by President George Washington to accept a position in his cabinet. Henry refused each time, preferring to spend his final years in the company of his family at Red Hill.