-
- 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.