Liberty and Death: Patrick Henry’s Family Devotion

Patrick Henry, a prominent figure in the American Revolution, faced personal turmoil as his wife, Sarah Shelton, suffered from severe mental illness. In the years leading up to the Revolution, her condition deteriorated to the point where she was confined in a basement and required a strait-dress for her violent episodes. Despite the stigma surrounding mental health in the 18th century, Henry made efforts to keep her condition private to protect his political career, even constructing a hidden staircase for servants to use when attending to her. After Sarah's death in early 1775, Henry was deeply affected, describing himself as a 'distraught old man' at the age of 44. He channeled his grief into political activism, becoming increasingly involved in the revolutionary cause. Just weeks after her passing, he delivered his famous speech on March 23, 1775, which included the iconic lines questioning the value of life and peace in the face of oppression. Two years later, Henry remarried Dorothea Dandridge, with whom he had 11 more children, bringing his total to 17. This prolific family life contrasted sharply with the earlier years of struggle and secrecy surrounding his first wife's illness. Henry's commitment to both his family and the revolutionary cause defined his legacy as a Founding Father. In his later years, Henry retired from politics and spent time at Red Hill in Virginia, reflecting on his life and contributions. His experiences with family devotion and personal loss shaped his character and oratory, leaving a lasting impact on American history.