Notes
This mother-of-pearl cross pendant 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. In addition to this pendant, Betsey is said to have also received a belt buckle (2021.5.1) and a silver ladle (2023.30.39) as wedding gifts. She died at "Fontainbleau" in King William County, Virginia, and is buried in the Aylett Cemetery at "Montville."
Donated to the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation by Dorothy Spotswood Quarles 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).