John LeConte

Joseph LeConte

The LeConte Family

John Eatton LeConte, the founder of Woodmanston Plantation, had two famous sons. One, also named John Eatton, was a noted naturalist and a topographical engineer. He explored and recorded much of the Smoky Mountains.

Louis, John's other son, trained as a medical doctor. He put his training to use  in caring for his family, slaves and other families in the area. Many physicians in the 19th century concocted their own medications and remedies from local herbs and plants. By 1813, due to his keen interest in botany and horticulture, he began developing a botanical and floral garden at Woodmanston that soon became internationally famous. Go to the "Garden History" page to read about Louis's historic garden.

Louis and his wife, Ann, had seven children. However, Ann died in 1826 leaving Louis to raise the children ranging in age from one to fourteen years. He was a nurturing father and provided an atmosphere that encouraged their interests and curiosity. He took an interest in the education of his children who attended a one room schoolhouse that had been established in conjunction with a few other nearby plantations.

John LeConte, one of Louis's sons, became an eminent scholar and professor in the natural sciences. During his career he published more than 100 scientific papers on ornithology, medicine and physics. He also became president of the newly-formed University of California. He served in that position from 1869-1881. Read more about his life in "The Memoir of John LeConte". Read about John and Joseph LeConte: The Gemini of the Scientific Heavens from the book "Reminiscences of Famous Georgians".

Joseph LeConte, the most well-known member of the family, was a geologist and natural historian. He attended Harvard University and studied under the famous Swiss scientist, Louis Agassiz. He later taught at Oglethorpe University, the University of Georgia, the University of South Carolina at Columbia and the University of California. During his career he published numerous articles and seven books. He also co-founded the Sierra Club with his friend, John Muir. Read an article about John Muir, Joseph LeConte and The Sierra Club. Read more about Joseph's life in his autobiography (the copyright for which belongs to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill but is available for public viewing.) Read an 1872 letter written by John Muir to Joseph LeConte. Read additional letters written by John Muir and Joseph LeConte. Read a Coastal Courier article about John Muir and Joseph LeConte.