Jessie is the story of Jessie Benton Fremont, wife of explorer and politician John C. Fremontâwho was instrumental in opening the west. Jessie helped demonstrate that by joining her husband in California to build a home at the time of the Bear Flag rebellion. Judy Alterâs storytelling and impeccable historical research bring the era of the old west to life while highlighting the life of Jessie Benton Fremont.