Sam blamed himself all his life for taking the child out with what he later saw as an inadequate amount of clothing. A sedative was prescribed along with a strict diet that limited meat and sweets. She continued to help her husband to edit works up until a few months before her death. Samuel Clemens’ courtship of Olivia Langdon began shortly after their initial meeting in 1868. Clemens courted her throughout 1868, mainly by letter. I don’t want to sleep with a threefold being who is a cook, chambermaid and washer woman all in one.” In other words, he did not want the stereotypical women of his times – subservient, domestic and reserved. I said she would succeed, but that in the meantime she would unwittingly dig a matrimonial pit and end by tumbling into it -- and lo! There was social stigma surrounding epilepsy‚ and sufferers were often ostracized, but Olivia insisted that Jean be included in as many family and social activities as her health would allow. Olivia Langdon Clemens Fans Also Viewed . However, Olivia was determined to continue her education, and used tutors, study groups and a professor from the college to accomplish her goal. She inspired some of her father's works, at 13 wrote her own biography of him, which he later published in his autobiography, and acted as a literary critic. She was cremated, and her ashes are interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira. Sagittarius. She married Samuel Langhorne Clemens, and they gave birth to Langdon Clemens, Susy Clemens, Clara Clemens, and Jean Clemens. Three daughters were born: Olivia Susan (called "Susy") in 1872, Clara in 1874, and Jean (called "Jane") in 1880.[1]:652. Olivia continued to be an active participant in her husband’s career by helping him edit his books, articles and lectures. Olivia Langdon Clemens was born on November 27, 1845 (age 58) in Elmira, New York, United States. Mark Twain and party aboard the U.S.S. She is solely responsible – to her should go the credit – for any influence my subsequent work should exert. They rented a large house in the Nook Farm[2] neighborhood and quickly became important members of the social and literary scene there. In a letter to his boyhood friend, Will Bowen, written just four days after marrying Olivia, Clemens wrote: I am 34 and she is 24; I am young and very handsome (I make this statement with the fullest confidence, for I got it from her,) and she is much the most beautiful girl I ever saw (I said that before she was anything to me, and so it is worthy of all belief) and she is the best girl, and the sweetest, and the gentlest, and the daintiest, and the most modest and unpretentious, and the wisest in all things she should be wise in and the most ignorant in all matters it would not grace her to know, and she is sensible and quick, and loving and faithful, forgiving, full of charity… She is the most perfect gem of womankind that ever I saw in my life – and I will stand by that remark until I die. At 12‚ Olivia began studies at the Elmira Female College where she studied Latin‚ arithmetic‚ English‚ grammar‚ U.S. history‚ music and philosophy. He was prematurely born in 1870 and died at the age of two. Olivia Langdon Clemens was born Olivia Louise Langdon on Nov. 27, 1845, in Elmira, N.Y., the daughter of Jervis and Olivia Langdon. They lived lavishly off Clemens’ earnings from his books and lectures and Olivia’s inheritance. olivia langdon clemens She said she never would or could love me -- but she set herself the task of making a Christian of me. Her health continued to deteriorate. She had a younger brother, Charles, and an adopted older sister, Susan. Under the strain of so much misfortune, Olivia contracted typhoid fever, and was also hovering near death. On the brink of bankruptcy Olivia was given “preferred creditor” status, and deeds to their house and land in Hartford and Mark Twain’s copyrights were transferred to her to preserve the family’s financial future. Beecher.[1]:321. Clemens noted in his autobiography how he liked to insert phrases and incidents which he knew Olivia would not approve – just to see her reaction. Langdon, their son, died in 1872, a year and a half after his birth. Born in Elmira, NY #13. While in Europe the family sought out doctors to treat Jean in England‚ Sweden‚ Germany and Switzerland. Black Women Writers of the 19th Century II, Mary Granville Pendarves Delany 1700-1788. Their close attachment to her remained significant throughout her youth and young adulthood. Other places the Clemens' lived include Sweden, Germany, France, and Italy. Olivia Langdon was born in 1845 in Elmira, New York to Jervis Langdon and Olivia Lewis Langdon. Olivia Langdon Clemens was the wife of the famous American author, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. In the fall of 1909 Clemens finally woke up and realized he needed to take responsibility for Jean’s care‚ and Jean returned to live with her father at his home in Redding‚ Connecticut. After a near miscarriage, Olivia Clemens gave birth prematurely in November to a frail son and three months later she contracted typhoid, nearly dying. She continued to have health problems throughout her life. It was designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter, ornately decorated by Louis Comfort Tiffany, filled with hand-carved and elaborate furnishings from all over the world, and occupied by Mark Twain and Olivia Clemens, their three daughters Susy, Clara, and Jean (their infant son Langdon died of diphtheria in 1872), and a bevy of servants. From 1862-1864 she was in and out of treatment centers and sanitariums in Elmira‚ Washington, DC and New York City, receiving treatment from the country’s leading physicians on diseases of the spine. By the end of 1903, her doctors advised Olivia to move to Italy for the warm climate, and they took up residence in a villa outside of Florence. Olivia Langdon Clemens 1845 1904 Olivia Langdon Clemens in Biographical Summaries of Notable People. Susie is said to have inspired some of the character traits for Joan of Arc, in her father's historical novel: Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc. Olivia contracted typhoid fever and became very ill. She died on Christmas Eve 1909 of an apparent heart attack‚ the result of a seizure. The couple had married in February of 1870. While the Civil War was raging, she was an invalid for about six years as a teenager, and continued to have health problems throughout her life. The family was religious, reformist, and abolitionist. Eventually Samuel decided Olivia was the girl for him. She was 29. My only real complaint about Susan K. Harris's The Courtship of Olivia Langdon and Mark Twain is that it is mistitled: the present title trivializes the accomplishments of this book. In 1874, they moved into a distinctive house they had had built on land they purchased. Much later, a courtship began, and marriage followed on February 2, 1870. Olivia Langdon Clemens (November 27, 1845 – June 5, 1904) was the wife of the American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. “She was never strong again while her life lasted,” Clemens wrote. She rejected his first proposal of marriage, but they became engaged two months later, in November 1868. Olivia's father, Jervis Langdon, died of cancer in August. Image: Olivia Clemens Monument At her alma mater, Elmira College. By the end of 1903, doctors’ advice led the Clemens family to move to Italy for the warm climate; they resided in a villa outside of Florence. The 36-year-old author and humorist was in Chicago, in the middle of a grueling four-and-a half-month, 76-performance lecture tour … Mohican, August 13, 1895, Seattle, Washington.jpg 642 × 562; 243 KB Olivia Langdon, known as Livy, was a thoroughly proper easterner, while Sam was a rugged man of the West. Clara and the family’s longtime maid Katy Leary spent the most time with Olivia. She had 4 children Susy Clemens, Jean Clemens, Clara Clemens, Langdon Clemens. Olivia, called Livy, was educated by a combination of home tutoring and classes at Thurston's Female Seminary and Elmira Female College. Her childhood home from 1847 to 1862 was the building at what is now 413 Lake Street. In the last few months of her life Jean reconciled with her father and worked as his personal secretary. Olivia Susan Clemens, known as Susy Clemens was the eldest daughter and second child of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens. Olivia Langdon Clemens Popularity . They had know each other for less than a year, having been introduced on the occasion of a Charles Dickens reading in New York City the previous New Year’s Eve. However, Twain frequently broke the rule and secretly saw her in order to exchange love letters and kisses. Olivia (Langdon) Clemens was born into the Langdon family and married into the Clemens family. The family was religious, reformist, and abolitionist. Clemens’ earnings from his books and lectures and Olivia’s inheritance enabled the family to lead a lavish lifestyle. She is a celebrity family member. The newlyweds moved to Buffalo, New York, where they lived in a house purchased for them by Olivia’s father Jervis. The couple purchased land and built a large house in Hartford in 1874, which was their home until 1891. Olivia and daughter Clara accompanied him, but Susy and youngest daughter Jean stayed in Elmira with Olivia’s family. However, their expensive lifestyle and the failure of Clemens’ publishing company and the Paige typesetting machine finally caught up with the family in 1891. This debilitating illness caused her to live away from her family for years, and ended her formal education at 15. She was an invalid for part of her teenage years (about six years), and she suffered from what was probably tuberculosis myelitis or Pott's disease. Jervis died of cancer in August, followed a month later by Olivia's friend Emma Nye, who died in the Clemens' home. In 1871, the family moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where they rented a large house in the Nook Farm neighborhood, and quickly became important members of the social and literary and intellectual scene there. There is evidence that Olivia’s parents often worked as equals at a time when women were rarely accepted in the public sphere. Their first date was to a reading by Charles Dickens in New York City. Clara made sure no news of Jean’s illness was shared with their mother‚ to keep her from worrying. Jean was prescribed fresh air and exercise‚ such as horseback riding‚ which she loved. Olivia Langdon Clemens (November 27, 1845 – June 5, 1904) was the wife of the American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Sagittarius Named Olivia #19. With the increasing fame of Mark Twain (Clemens’ pseudonym), there was a constant flow of guests. Olivia Langdon Clemens, also known as Mrs. S. L. Clemens (b. November 27, 1845, Elmira, New York-d. June 5, 1904, Florence, Italy) was the wife of American author Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) Olivia Langdon Clemens died of heart failure at the villa on June 5‚ 1904. Jervis Langdon died of cancer in August, followed a month later by Olivia’s friend Emma Nye, who died in the Clemens home. These measures saved the family's financial future. She carved elegant glove boxes and chests after the studying the craft as part of her treatment‚ and always hoped that if she could get healthy enough she could make a modest income from her art. Clemens wanted a wife “in the position which I designed for her, viz; – as a companion. Olivia was educated, devout, progressive, and chronically ill, possibly with tuberculosis. Clemens proved that point when he asked his wife to proofread and edit his manuscripts. Charles Dickens. She was a "faithful, judicious, and painstaking editor," Clemens wrote. Olivia was kept away from her husband for much of her last months – she was supposed to be kept totally quiet and unexcited. In September, the couple's friend, Emma Nye, came down with typhoid while visiting them and died a month later in their bed. He died of diphtheria on June 2‚ 1872‚ at the age of only 19 months. Olivia Langdon was born in 1845 in Elmira, New York, to Jervis Langdon and Olivia Lewis Langdon. Olivia Langdon met Samuel Clemens in December 1867, through her brother Charles. Media in category "Olivia Langdon Clemens" The following 5 files are in this category, out of 5 total. One of the great courtships in American history is the wooing of an unenthusiastic 22-year-old Olivia Langdon by a completely smitten 32-year-old Samuel Langhorne Clemens… Olivia “Livy” Langdon Clemens (1845-1904) was the wife of Samuel Clemens. Born In 1845. Clemens courted her throughout 1868, mainly by letter. Since Clemens did not enjoy the details of domestic life‚ he was more than happy to have Olivia take a leading role in managing the household and as the primary caregiver (along with the servants) of the couple’s three daughters. In 1871, the family moved again, to Hartford, Connecticut. He was born prematurely on Nov. 7‚ 1870‚ and continued to be weak and sickly throughout his short life. They lived there until 1891. Novelist. The family left for Europe in 1891 and lived there for four years. Olivia was raised in the stimulating environment of Elmira, New York, and was constantly exposed to some of the most exciting issues and women of her day, including Isabella Beecher Hooker and Anna Dickinson. Life was difficult for them at first. Born in 1845 #9. First Name Olivia. the prophecy is fulfilled. Samuel Clemens was forced to go on a round-the-world lecture tour in order to raise money and pay off his debts in the summer of 1895. While they were courting he appeared to have downplayed his lack of faith, and she agreed to marry him. Olivia Langdon Clemens (1845-1904) was the wife of the famous American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain; she was a major influence on his writing. Mark Twain. Charley showed Samuel a picture of his older sister, twenty-two-year-old Livy. He met and fell in love with Olivia Langdon, a young woman from a good Christian family. Her death would leave a hole in the family that no one could fill. However, her health was poor; she suffered from what was probably tuberculosis of the spine or Pott’s disease. Her health was poor. He left pages of manuscript by her bedside for her to read and review, and often‚ though not always‚ accepted her suggestions. She was kept under constant supervision by her parents, who both thought that by being vigilant they could hold off the seizures. Jean was diagnosed with epilepsy‚ and her illness had periods of remission and times when she had frequent grand mal seizures. Samuel Clemens, more commonly known by his pen name, Mark Twain was a gifted writer. They were well off due to Samuel Clemens' earnings from his books and lectures, and Olivia's inheritance, and they lived lavishly. Olivia's health began worsening and, advised to keep a distance from her husband in order to keep from getting overexcited, went months without seeing him. Olivia and Samuel moved to Buffalo, New York, where they lived in a house purchased for them by Olivia's father, Jervis Langdon.Life was difficult for them at first. They then returned to the United States, lived in Riverdale, New York, and arranged to move into a house in Tarrytown, New York. After her mother’s death Clara suffered her own emotional breakdown‚ and Jean Clemens’ care was left to her father and his staff. Olivia Langdon Clemens Label from public data source Wikidata Sources found : NUCMC data from Mark Twain Memorial for Clemens, S.L. She had chest pain and difficulty breathing. The wedding was in Elmira, and the ceremony was performed by the Congregational ministers Joseph Twichell and Thomas K. Clemens made friends with Charles Langdon on his trip to the Holy Land in 1868, and later met his younger sister Olivia. Jean‚ in turn‚ was not allowed to hear about her mother’s failing health. Marriage and Family Samuel Clemens entered Olivia’s life in 1867, not long after her health began to improve. Olivia Langdon Clemens, often called “Livy” by her husband, was born on 27 November 1845 to Jervis Langdon, a wealthy businessman, and his wife, Olivia Lewis Langdon, in Elmira, New York. Olivia Susan Clemens (March 19, 1872 – August 18, 1896), was the second child and eldest daughter of Samuel Clemens, who wrote under the pen name Mark Twain, and his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens. [4], "Stowe's Hartford Neighborhood, Nook Farm", "Livy Clemens & Mark Twain's Moment of Enlightenment", "Olivia "Livy" Langdon Clemens - Mark Twain House", Olivia Langdon Clemens ALS to Publisher Walter Bliss, 1898, Biography of Olivia at Mark Twain Project Online, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, Some Learned Fables for Good Old Boys and Girls, Mark Twain's (Burlesque) Autobiography and First Romance, A True Story and the Recent Carnival of Crime, Punch, Brothers, Punch! On their first date they attended a reading by Charles Dickens, in New York City. She died on June 5, 1904, Florence, Italy.The parents of Olivia Langdon Clemens are Jervis Langdon, Olivia Lewis Langdon. She was cremated and her ashes are buried in Woodlawn Cemetary in Elmira, New York. She rejected his first proposal of marriage, but they became engaged two months later, in November 1868. In August 1902‚ Olivia suffered what was probably a heart attack. Olivia was given “preferred creditor” status, and all Samuel's copyrights were assigned to her. Clemens packed up his family and moved to Elmira, where Olivia’s family could help watch over her and Langdon. Late Years In 1902 the Clemens family returned to the United States and lived in Riverdale, New York, while arranging to move into a house in Tarrytown. Their first child, Langdon Clemens, was born in November but was premature. Clemens was quoted later as saying, "I do believe that young filly has broken my heart. Olivia Langdon Clemens Is A Member Of . Clemens family collection, 1867-1962 (Olivia Langdon Clemens; Mrs. Samuel L. Clemens; Mrs. Mark Twain) b. Her father was heartbroken when she died of spinal meningitis at age 24. In order to exchange love letters and kisses in Europe the family then moved to Buffalo, York... Traveling, Clemens met Olivia 's family could watch over her and Langdon refused. 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