Sarah Henry: An RVA Ghost

In RVA history, Patrick Henry, a Founding Father, goes down as an important political figure. He was one of the main advocates for independence in Virginia. On the eve of the American Revolution, he is remembered for his famous quote, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Despite also being a slave owner, there is an additional, little-known fact about him that perhaps should go down in infamy. 

Before his noteworthy contributions to history, he married a woman named Sarah Shelton. They met in their later teen years. Together, they had six children and moved to their plantation in Scotchtown, Virginia. Shortly after giving birth to their last child, Sarah began to display signs of mental illness. Today, it can be assumed that she suffered from “puerperal psychosis,” also known as postpartum psychosis. According to Richmond Ghosts, Patrick’s family regarded her as having “lost her mind.” The family’s private doctor suggested she be institutionalized. When Patrick visited a hospital in Williamsburg, he was horrified by the conditions and swore he would never subject his wife to such treatment. Instead, he concluded locking her in his basement would be fit. 

Sarah lived out the rest of her years in the basement of their shared plantation. A few years into the placement, she was restrained in a straight dress, which is similar to straitjackets used today. Little is recorded regarding her time in the basement. This is likely due to Patrick’s desire to protect his political career. Seldom was understood surrounding mental health back then. According to Seeks Ghosts, it was a general belief that those who suffered from mental illness were possessed by demonic forces or even the devil. Because of this, as people found out about Sarah’s illness, they refused to be around the house. 

In the last year of her life, Sarah allegedly displayed a “strange antipathy” towards her family. This may or may not be in part to not having been outside in years. She passed away in the spring of 1775, and was buried in an unmarked grave. This was a common practice due to the fear of those who suffered from mental illness. 

It is believed that Sarah’s ghost haunts the ground. There have been various strange sightings and reports throughout the years. In the period that the property was abandoned before being purchased and preserved, neighbors reported seeing flickers and movements of candlelight from room to room. Things still mysteriously move around and sounds of rattling chains can be heard from the basement. One tour guide and their group reported hearing a shrilling scream coming from the room she lived in. Each time a painting job is attempted in the basement, it inexplicably burns off. Although the door is never locked, it will not open at times, and is said to be seemingly held from the other side. Swarms of flies and wasps strangely cloud one specific window. Perhaps this is the window she was forced to watch her husband leave each day while she remained restrained in their basement. 

To this day, it is unknown where Sarah is buried on the grounds. Still, her story deserves to be told. Patrick may have done what he thought to be best at the time, but her fate is devastating nonetheless. I only hope her soul has moved on from those grounds.