Jessie Benton Frémont, daughter of Sen. Thomas Benton Hart, was one of the most powerful American women of the nineteenth century, not because of wealth or station or political connections, but on account of her intelligence, vision and literary powers. She canonized her husband, John C. Frémont, made him a national hero and insured his legacy. More streets, counties, buildings and other landmarks are named after him than for most American presidents, not because he was deserving of such acclamation, but because of his wife's determination to make it so. But her life was far from cloudless, for the 'Pathfinder' was not all that he was cracked up to be--we was a spendthrift, arrogant, poor manager of money and investments who got himself into one financial mess after another. Jessie interceded with senators and presidents on his behalf; her sister questioned her devotion to a man who did not reciprocate or acknowledge her abilities. Award-winning author Daniel Alef tells Jessie Benton Frémont's story of achievement and tragedy. [1,563-word Titans of Fortune article]
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