Was Patrick Henry Irish?

Confusion often arises when searching for the historical figure of Patrick Henry, leading many to mistakenly link him with other individuals sharing the same name. During my internet search for information on Patrick Henry, three separate entities popped up:

1. The Estate Agent in London

One search result led me to an estate agency in London, which in the US would be classified as a realtor. This agency has no connection to the American historical figure we are investigating. It’s safe to assume that neither of these individuals is Irish.

2. The Frenchman Involved in a Tragic Case

Another entry referred to a Frenchman who became notorious for kidnapping and murdering Philippe Bertrand, an eight-year-old boy. Similar to the first, this individual is unrelated to Patrick Henry and does not share any Irish heritage.

3. The Virginian with Famed Words

The true Patrick Henry, a renowned American orator and founder of the United States, is best known for his famous words: “Give me liberty or give me death!” During his lifetime, he was not Irish, as historical records indicate he was born in Virginia.

Historical Context and Background

Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736, on his family’s farm called Studley in Hanover County, Virginia. His father, John Henry, was an immigrant from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and attended Kings College (now the University of Aberdeen) before moving to Virginia in the 1720s.

Family Background

John Henry settled in Hanover County around 1732 and married Sarah Winston Syme, a wealthy widow from a prominent local family. She had English ancestry, and this connection provided the Henry family with significant social and financial advantages in Virginia.

Conclusion

The confusion often arises from the similarity in names. However, it is clear from historical records that Patrick Henry was not of Irish descent. He was a Scottish immigrant who became an influential figure in American history. There may be numerous other individuals named Patrick Henry who, as of yet, are not famous, adding to the complexity of the search.