John Pott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Doctor John Pott Deputy-Governor and Physician-General
The 1623 wine incident that involved Pott and William Tucker
Died	after March 25, 1651
Other names	John Potts
Occupation	physician
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth
Preceded by	John Harvey
Succeeded by	John West
Virginia Governor's Council
In office 1625–1629
5º Crown Governors Virginia
In office 1629–1630

John Pott (also known as Potts) was an important physician and leader in the early Virginia Colony. He served as a Colonial Governor at the Jamestown settlement in the 1600s. His work helped shape the colony's early days.

John Pott's Early Life and Journey to Virginia

Education and Medical Training

John Pott was a very educated person for his time. He is believed to have earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from Oxford University in 1605. This shows he had a strong background in learning.

Traveling to the New World

Dr. Pott was highly recommended to the Virginia Company of London. This company was in charge of setting up the colony. A famous doctor named Theodore Gulston suggested him for the role of the colony's physician.

In 1621, the Virginia Company noted that Dr. Pott was a "Master of Arts." They also said he was skilled in both surgery and medicine. He was even good at making special distilled waters, which were used for medicines.

Dr. Pott and his wife, Elizabeth, left London in March 1619. They sailed on a ship called the George. After about two months, they arrived safely in Jamestown, Virginia, in May 1619.

Dr. Pott's Role in the Colony

A Difficult Time in Jamestown

In 1623, a challenging event happened in Jamestown. There was a "peace ceremony" involving the colonists and some Native American groups. This event followed a difficult period for the colony.

After an investigation, Dr. Pott was cleared of any wrongdoing related to the incident. He was able to keep his position on the Governor's Council.

Becoming Governor of Virginia

In 1625, John Pott became a member of the Governor's Council. This was a group of important advisors to the colony's leader. He served on this council for several years.

Later, in 1628, he was chosen to be the Governor of Virginia. He held this important position from 1629 until early 1630. During his time as governor, he faced some challenges.

Facing Accusations and a Pardon

While he was governor, Dr. Pott was accused of mismanaging some of the colony's animals. Because of these accusations, he was replaced as governor by Sir John Harvey.

A trial was held in 1630. Dr. Pott was found responsible and was confined to his plantation, Harrop. His property was almost taken away. However, his wife, Elizabeth, traveled all the way to England to speak to the king.

The colony still needed Dr. Pott's medical skills very much. Governor Harvey asked the king to pardon Dr. Pott, saying he was the best physician in the colony. The king agreed, and Dr. Pott was pardoned. His property was returned, and he continued his medical work in Virginia.

Developing New Settlements

The Harrop Plantation

Dr. Pott owned a large farm, known as a plantation, which he named "Harrop." He might have named it after a place in England where his family lived. This plantation was officially recognized in 1631.

Harrop later became part of a church area called Bruton Parish. This shows how his land was important to the growing community.

Building Middle Plantation

In 1632, Dr. Pott gained more land, about 1,200 acres (4.9 km2). This land was located near Archer's Hope Creek. Part of this area was planned to become a fortified wall, or palisade, across the peninsula.

In 1633, the General Assembly decided that people should gather at Dr. John Pott's new plantation. Their job was to build houses and secure the land in that area.

With this effort, a six-mile (10 km) long palisade was built. This wall stretched from one creek to another. A new settlement called Middle Plantation was established on the high ground between the creeks.

Dr. Pott likely chose this spot because it was healthy. The land was well-drained, meaning fewer mosquitoes. It was also a good place for defense because of the deep valleys around it. The main road down the peninsula also ran through this area, making it easy to protect.

Years later, the road in Middle Plantation became known as Duke of Gloucester Street. In 1699, Middle Plantation was renamed Williamsburg. This town became a very important place in colonial history.

Dr. Pott's Later Life

Dr. Pott is thought to have had no children. He passed away sometime before 1651.