Lawrence Bohune

Background

Lawrence Bohune was born between 1575 and 1585 in England.

Education

Bohune received his education at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands.

Career

The little that is known of him relates almost entirely to his interest in colonization. Contemporary accounts testify that he was "a worthy Valiant Gentleman, a long time brought up amongst the most learned Surgeons and Physitions in Netherlands. " It cannot be said when he first came to America, but he was appointed on December 13, 1620, to be physician general for the company, a position he had occupied before. He was concerned with the importation of fruit trees and of seed; and in connection with one James Smith he transported 300 colonists. The court of Virginia on recognizing him as one of its functionaries awarded him, for the prosecution of some plans of his, 500 acres of land and twenty laborers - this project had apparently been explained to the court most vaguely, but it seemed "to promise much benefit. " Somehow he was in England in the winter of 1620-1621, and in the beginning of February he set out on his second journey to America. In the West Indies, the ship on which he had taken passage was attacked by a superior force of Spaniards. In the ensuing fight he took part valiantly, but was killed before the enemy was beaten off.

Achievements

• Lawrence Bohune is notable as the first physician general of the London Company in Virginia. He is known for experimenting with some of Virginia's indigenous plants and minerals.

Connections

Bohune was married to Alice Barnes.

Spouse:

Alice (Barnes) Bohune