John Rolfe

John Rolfe (* 1585 in Heacham, Norfolk, England; † 1622) was a tobacco planter, co-founder of Jamestown in Virginia and husband of Pocahontas.

Life

Performance and first marriage

Rolfe brought the first relief of distress in Jamestown, when he stated that the tobacco which was one in England to the luxury goods, in Virginia grew wild. Since the wild varieties for the English taste was too strong, he was the impetus, the less bitter varieties to plant of the West Indies. After two years of experimentation, he was able in 1612 to produce a noble type of tobacco, which was quite adapted to the soil and climate of Virginia.

Rolfe lost his first wife by a shipwreck in Bermuda, which provided the material for Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Marriage with Pocahontas

Rolfe Pocahontas probably learned in April 1613 and married her as Rebecca in 1614 to consolidate the native policy, " not from carnal lust ," but " for the good of the plantation, for the honor of my country and for the glory of God." 1615 was the only son Thomas was born.

With twelve Indians, the couple traveled to England in 1616. At Pocahontas reception at King James and Anne of Denmark Rolfe was not allowed to attend due to its low state. James I had cleared even by the Privy Council, whether Rolfe was to accuse of treason. Finally, he contented himself with the promise Rolfes that this will raise no claim to the throne of Virginia for their son with Pocahontas. For the rest of the year, the couple went on a country estate outside London, where it coincided surprisingly with John Smith.

At the check out to Virginia in March 1617 wide Pocahontas afflict the wintry mist, still in the Thames estuary. Rolfe was with Thomas in England.