John Rogerson (physician) facts for kids
John Rogerson (born October 22, 1741 – died December 21, 1823) was an important Scottish doctor. He became the personal physician to Catherine the Great, who was the Empress of Russia. He also helped her court with advice on diplomatic matters.
Early Life and Education
John Rogerson was born on October 22, 1741. His family lived on Lochbrow Farm near Lochmaben in Scotland. His father, Samuel Rogerson, was a farmer.
As a child, John was friends with George Clerk. George's family owned a large house called Old Dumcrieff House.
John had a relative, James Mounsey, who was also a doctor. James had worked for Peter the Great, another Russian ruler. In 1762, James Mounsey came back to Scotland. He encouraged John to become a doctor too, suggesting it could be a very good career.
John decided to study medicine. He went to the famous University of Edinburgh. He finished his studies and became a doctor in 1765.
Career in Russia
After finishing his studies, John Rogerson looked for work. He traveled to Russia in 1766, passing through Denmark. He arrived in St. Petersburg, the capital city of Russia at the time.
His medical skills were quickly recognized. By 1769, he was working as a doctor for the Russian court. This meant he cared for the royal family and important people.
By 1776, he became the personal doctor to Catherine the Great. She was the powerful Empress of Russia. This was a very important and trusted position. Besides being a doctor, he also gave advice to the court on important matters. He sometimes acted like a diplomat, helping with discussions between countries.
His work was highly respected. In 1779, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. In 1783, he also became one of the first foreign Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Return to Scotland
In 1805, John Rogerson bought the Dumcrieff estate. This was the same place where his childhood friend, George Clerk, had lived. The old house on the estate was in ruins. So, John started building a new house there in 1806. It took many years to finish, finally being ready in 1820.
He also bought another large estate called Wamphray in 1810. This cost him a lot of money, about £90,000.
After many years of service in Russia, John Rogerson decided to return home. He left St. Petersburg in 1816 and settled back in Scotland.
He passed away on December 21, 1823. He died at his home, Dumcrieff House, near Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway. This was less than five miles from where he was born. He was buried in Wamphray Glen Churchyard.
John Rogerson's granddaughter later inherited the Dumcrieff estate. She married a man named Lord Rollo.
