LeConte, John, 1818-1891

The LeConte brothers were born at Woodmanston Plantation near Savannah. They were the sons of Louis LeConte, famous for his botanical research and for setting up a botanical garden on the plantation. Both LeContes graduated from the University of Georgia and practiced briefly as physicians in Savannah and Macon. They later taught at the University of Georgia until they were forced to leave by controversy. President Church charged both professors with insubordination because of their belief in the then-developing evolutionary theories and their refusal to enforce some of the strict disciplinary rules at the university. The LeContes moved to California after teaching at the University of South Carolina and working as chemists for the Confederate army. They helped to found the University of California at Berkeley and John became the first president of this university. Joseph became its first professor of geography. The biology building at the University of Georgia was named for Joseph LeConte.

From the description of LeConte Family papers, 1857-1916. (University of Georgia). WorldCat record id: 319689752

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