Jesse Benton Fremont (1824-1902)

In her memoirs, Jesse recalled that during her childhood she was often at the Capitol with her father, Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton, where she was free to browse the Library of Congress books and art plates. She completed her education at Miss English's Female Seminary in Georgetown. Her elopement at 17 to John Charles Fremont, a handsome army surveyor of illegitimate birth, enraged her father but they were forgiven and all was well. She later assisted her husband in writing a popular account of his expeditions on the Oregon Trail. Complete February 2012. sold

William Samuel Johnston (1795-1883)

Married Laura Woolsey (see portrait titled, Mrs Laura Johnston). Not much more info to be found on this fellow although I suspect he was related to William Samuel Johnston (1727-1819) who was a signer of the Constitution. Both were lawyers from Stratford, Connecticut. Like father, like son, back in the day. Completed December 2011. sold.