Charles Dabney and his brother were preoccupied as they prepared the canoe for launch. At the same time, and unbeknownst to the youngsters, Patrick Henry tugged the linen stockings from his feet and pulled the cotton shirt over his head. He was ready for mischief! The summer sun was scorching as he quickly climbed into … More 19-Patrick Rocks The Boat

Sometime during Patrick’s childhood, the family moved about twenty-five miles west, from Studley Plantation to Mt. Brilliant, located in the densely forest covered area known as Rocky Mills, near the South Anna River. The time of the move is a point of biographical conflict. Some writers have John Henry moving his family from Studley to … More 18-Studley To Mount Brilliant

Known to any child who sets hope upon the ideal day, the bothersome necessity of chores and school usually interfere with those best laid plans. In the rural locale of 18th century Hanover County, there were no public, or free schools as we have today in the United States. Parents who chose to educate their … More 17- Education in Hanover County

Biographer George Morgan relayed a story about Patrick Henry and “a favorite servant,” Jack White. At the time of Patrick Henry’s death, the only “Jack” listed in the inventory of slaves was a child son of Critty, the family’s cook. An inventory taken three years later still lists “Jack White” as a child. Towards the … More 16-Child of Nature

The preconceived image we may hold regarding the upbringing of such an influential character in our nation’s history as Patrick Henry, quite often is much more glamorous, daring and perhaps even more inspiring, than realistic. Try as we might to paint an accurate picture of a typical day in the life of young Patrick, it … More 15-Patrick Henry-Unremarkable

It’s not hard to imagine the scent of fresh tobacco filling the air at Studley Plantation. Tobacco was the primary cash crop of Studley, as well as Hanover County, and all of Virginia. After months that consisted of laboriously preparing the ground, planting the crops, inspecting the plants for insects and disease, topping the stalks … More 14-Tobacco Farming At Studley

With no remaining ties to the Henry or Syme families, the main home at Studley plantation was destroyed by fire in 1807. Owned at the time by Peter Lyons, the structure was possibly struck by lightning as, “a succession of destructive wind and electrical storms had plagued Hanover County and the Richmond area that year.” … More 13-Studley-The House