Lawrence Bohun facts for kids

Lawrence Bohun was an English doctor who lived a long time ago, from around 1575 to 1621. He was known for being one of the first doctors and scientists in the early American colony of Jamestown, Virginia. He even tried to find new uses for plants and minerals found there!

Who Was Lawrence Bohun?

Lawrence Bohun was an important person in the early days of the Virginia Colony. He was a doctor, also called a physician. He also became a member of the Virginia Governor's Council, which was a group of important people who helped run the colony. His last name is sometimes spelled "Bohune" or "Boone."

Early Life and Education

We don't know much about Bohun's early life. He was likely born in England sometime between 1575 and 1585. He probably studied medicine at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands. He became known as a very good doctor.

Journey to Virginia

Because he was such a skilled doctor, Lawrence Bohun was hired to be the personal physician for Thomas West, who was also known as Baron De La Warr. Baron De La Warr was the first governor of Virginia, appointed by the Virginia Company of London.

Bohun arrived in Virginia on June 10, 1610. This was a very important time. He was able to help the colonists who had survived a very difficult winter called the Starving Time. During this time, many colonists had died from hunger and sickness. While in Virginia, Bohun also worked on trying to make wine.

Return to England

The next year, Governor De La Warr became very sick with a disease called scurvy. Scurvy is caused by not getting enough vitamin C. Bohun went with him back to England so he could help him get better.

Once in England, Bohun continued to work as a doctor. He also got married to a woman named Alice Barnes. During this time, he stayed involved with the Virginia Company. He was given two grants of land in Virginia. Bohun was also interested in trying to raise silkworms in Virginia. He hoped they could produce silk, but this project didn't work out. Records from the Virginia Company said his project "promised much benefitt but in the end came to nothinge."

Final Journey

In 1620, Lawrence Bohun was given two very important jobs. He was made the chief doctor, or physician general, for the Virginia colony. He was also appointed to the Governor's Council. However, he never made it back to Virginia to start these new roles.

In 1621, Bohun was on a ship traveling to Virginia. The ship stopped in the West Indies to get supplies. While they were there, Spanish warships attacked Bohun's ship. Lawrence Bohun was one of several people who died during this attack on March 19, 1621.