A Great American

Born: 1736 in Hanover County, Virginia.

Education: Taught at home by his father, then went on to study law.

Occupation: Storekeeper, farmer, lawyer, and public official.

Religion:

Family Life: Father was a planter and a Hanover county magistrate.

Political Career: Virginia House of Burgesses 1765, formed Virginia Committee of Correspondence with Thomas Jefferson and Richard Henry Lee 1773, Continental Congress 1774-76, Virginia Convention, first Governor of Virginia 1776-79, Virginia Legislature 1780-84 and again 1787-90, Virginia Ratification Convention 1788.

Highlights of His Career: One of the first American patriots to speak publicly against British taxation. Made a statement about colonial rights known as the Virginia Resolves. Opposed the Stamp Act. Admitted into the bar in 1760 when he was only 24 years old. Won The Parson's Case in 1763, helped to draft Virginia's Constitution.

Appearance:

Died: 1799

Buried:

Famous Words: "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

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