Fremont, John Charles, soldier and explorer, whose early expeditions to the Rocky mountains brought to the notice of the American people the region of which the State of Kansas is a part, was born at Savannah, Ga., Jan. 21, 1813. His father died in 1818 and the widow removed with her family to Charleston, S. C., where John C. entered college at the age of fifteen years, but was expelled for absence and inattention to his work. He then became a private teacher of mathematics, in which he excelled, and later a teacher on the sloop of war Natchez, upon which he made a two years' cruise. He then passed an examination for a professorship in the United States navy and was assigned to the frigate Independence, but declined to become assistant engineer in the United States topographical corps. In 1838 he was commissioned second lieutenant by president Van Buren, and on Oct. 19, 1841, secretly married Jessie, daughter of Thomas H. Benton, her parents objecting to the union on account of her age. The next ten years Fremont spent in exploring the country between the Missouri river and the Rocky mountains (See Fremont's Expeditions) and his reports gave to many, their first knowledge of what is now the State of Kansas. His work also won for him the sobriquet of "Pathfinder." In 1850 he was presented with a gold medal by the King of Prussia for his discoveries. The first Republican national convention in 1856 nominated him for the presidency, and he received 114 electoral votes, Buchanan receiving 174. Soon after the Civil war began he was made major-general and assigned to the command of the Western Department, with headquarters at St. Louis. On Aug 31, 1861, he proclaimed martial law and the emancipation of the slaves belonging to those in arms against the government. President Lincoln indorsed the proclamation, except that part concerning emancipation, but this Fremont refused to rescind, and it was finally annulled by order of the president. This, and other complaints, caused him to he relieved of his command, but the following spring he was placed in command of the mountain district in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. When his command was made a part of Gen. Pope's army of Virginia, Fremont asked to be relieved. His request was granted, and this practically ended his military career. In 1878 he was appointed governor of Arizona and served until 1881. Gen. Fremont was the author of various works, most of them relating to his explorations. He died at New York on July 13, 1890.