Notes
This mother-of-pearl belt buckle was, according to family tradition, given to Elizabeth "Betsey" Henry Aylett (1769–1842) by her father, Patrick Henry, upon her marriage to Philip Aylett (1767–1831) in 1786.
Betsey Henry was born in Hanover County. She married Philip at St. John's Church on October 12, 1786, and had thirteen children with him. She died at "Fontainbleau" in King William County, Virginia, and is buried in the Aylett Cemetery at "Montville."
In addition to this belt buckle, Betsey is said to have also received a cross pendant (2021.5.2) and a silver ladle (2023.30.39) as wedding gifts. Although documentary evidence proving the provenance of this piece is limited, a belt buckle of very similar form appears in a portrait of Betsey (87.21). The buckles are likely one and the same.
Donated to the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation by Dorothy Spotswood Nichols (1923–2020) on November 5, 2013. Ms. Nichols is a descendant of Patrick Henry, being both his fourth- and fifth-great-granddaughter. She is descended from two of Henry's daughters, Betsey Aylett and Martha Henry Fontaine (1755–1818).