Finding aid of General John Charles Fremont Memorial Biography C058855
Finding aid prepared by Samantha Ronzano
Society of California Pioneers
October 15, 2015
300 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA, 94107-1272
(415) 959-1849
pkeats@californiapioneers.org
Title: Fremont, John Charles Memorial Biography
Identifier/Call Number: C058855
Contributing Institution:
Society of California Pioneers
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.0 folder
1 typed book, 54 pages
Date (inclusive): 1813-1890
Abstract: The memorial biography of John C. Fremont is 54 typed pages and bound, recalling his achievements as explorer of the unexplored
territories of the Northwestern states, specifically his role in protecting California during the Mexican-American war. It
records his life from birth in 1813 to death in 1890. It was written by two members of the Society of California Pioneers,
W. B. Farwell, and W. F. Swasey.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Donor and date of acquisition unknown.
John C. Fremont Biography. The Society of California Pioneers.
There are no restrictions on access.
Conditions Governing Access note
Collection open for research.
The memorial biography of John C. Fremont is 54 typed pages and bound, recalling his achievements as explorer of the unexplored
territories of the Northwestern states, specifically his role in protecting California during the Mexican-American war. It
records his life from birth in 1813 to death in 1890. It was written by two members of the Society of California Pioneers,
W. B. Farwell, and W. F. Swasey.
John C. Fremont was born in Savannah, Georgia, January 21st, 1813. Both his parents were native Virginians.
He became a teacher on the U.S. sloop of war, Natchez, under the influence of the distinguished Joel R. Poinsett, who in 1838
was the Secretary of War. After touring the coast of South America, he returned to Charlston, South Carolina, where he received
the title "Professor of Mathematics in the Navy". Soon after, he joined Captain W. G. Williams of the U.S. Topographical Corp
as an assistant engineer, surveying land for the Charleston to Cinncinnatti Railroad.
After this project was complete, Williams and Fremont were ordered to collect reconnaissance on undeveloped Cherokee territory,
which was a successful mission. Fremont was appointed Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Topographical Corp.
In 1839, Fremont and French Savant Mr. Nicolett were commissioned to explore unexamined territories of now Iowa, Minnesota,
and the Dakotas. Upon returning to Washington, D.C. in the winter of 1839, Fremont met Senator Benton, who was so pleased
with Fremont and Nicolett's survey that he wanted to continue the exploration of the greater Northwest. Fremont was extremely
adament to go, and in July of 1840, Fremont was sent to survey the lower part of the Des Moines River. After a successful
trip, Fremont returned to Washington where he met, and married, his wife Jessie Benton in 1841.
In 1842, Senator Benton wanted to further extend the surveying to the Rocky Mountains, and hired Fremont as Commander of the
expedition. He and his company reached the summit of the Rockies successfully, entitling it Fremont's Peak.
A year later, Fremont was appointed to survey Oregon territory. The expedition was a success, as he made his way through the
Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, eventually reaching Sutter's Fort in Sacramento Valley, California, March
6th, 1844.
In 1845, war between the United States and Mexio was eminent. President Polk was more concerned in losing the San Francisco
Port over the state of Texas, and sent Fremont to California to protect it. He reached Yerba Buena in January, 1846, and further
explored Monterey, Santa Cruz, and the San Joaquin Valley until eventually making his way up back to Oregon.
When the Mexican-American War broke out, he traveled back down to Sacramento, where he and the other settlers began the Bear
Flag Party, a revolution against the Mexican army and the surrounding Native Americans. He fought alongside General Kearney
and Major Gillepsie. Fremont was made Military Governor of the territory of Los Angeles, and by the time the war was over
in January, 1847, Fremont became acting Governor.
Fremont immediately resigned from the army, and set out on his fourth expedition, making his way up the Rio Grande River towards
Utah. His guide lost their way, and horrible suffering ensued. Starvation plagued the group, where men turned to eating horses
and dogs, and eventually cannibalism. Fremont was forced to return to Santa Fe. His second attempt would prove to be successful,
making it to Sacramento Valley in the Spring of 1849, and was appointed by President Taylor to run a boundary line between
the United States and Mexico.
In 1853, Fremont was elected to Senate but resigned weeks later, and went on to his fifth expedition.
He was appointed Major General of Army in St. Louis, and Military Governor of Missouri in 1861. He claimed that he would emancipate
the slaves of all who were rebelling against the government, but President Lincoln annulled the proclamation.
in 1878, he accepted the position of Governor of Arizona, until eventually retiring in 1881. He died July 13th, 1890.
Existence and Location of Originals note
The Society of California Pioneers, 101 Montgomery St. Suite 150, The Presidio of San Francisco, CA, 94129.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Benton, Thomas Hart, Senator, 1821-1851 -- History
Castro, José Antonio, 1808-1860 -- History
Fremont, J.C,, (John Charles), 1813-1890
Frémont, Jessie Benton, 1824-1902 -- History
Gillespie, Archibald H. , Major -- History
Kearney, Phillip, General -- History
Larkin, Thomas Oliver, 1802-1858 -- History
Poinsett, Joel Roberts, 1779-1851 -- History
San Francisco Bay Area Typographical Union, Local 21 -- History
Stockton, Robert Field, 1795-1866 -- History
U.S. Topographical Corps. -- History
Willams, W. G. , Capt. -- History
Bear Flag Revolt, 1846
Cherokee Indians
Indians of North America
Klamath Indians
Monterey (Calif.)
Pioneers--California
Railroads--History
Railroads--surveying
Rocky Mountains
Sacramento (Calif.) - History - 19th century.
San Francisco (Calif.) - 1840-1860
San Joaquin Valley (Calif.)
Santa Cruz (Calif.)
Sonoma County (Calif.)
Sutter's Fort
Walla Walla Indians
Yerba Buena (Calif.)