John Eliot Coit (March 9, 1880 – June 4, 1976) was an American professor specializing in the horticultural fields of avocado, citrus and carob,[1] and second curator of University of California Citrus Variety Collection[2] John Eliot Coit was reared in Texas and North Carolina.
[1] He also authored the "Citrus fruits" book, which is an account of the citrus fruit industry, with special reference to California requirements and practices (Jan 1, 1915),[4] and "A peony check-list" including the leading varieties of peonies of which authentic descriptions can be found in horticultural literature... (Jan 1, 1907)[5] Dr. Coit has received honorary awards including: Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science.
From its babyhood or the time when growing avocados was a hobby, through adolescence or the transitional period into maturity as a full fledged industry Dr. Coit has been its able and watchful parent.
Long after his name will have been forgotten, consumers in New York as well as growers in California will unknowingly feel Dr. Coit's influence.
– California Avocado Society 1976 Yearbook 60: 11-13[6]John Eliot Coit married Emilie A. Hanna in 1907 at Durham, North Carolina.