The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-06-14
THE WIFE OF MARK TWAIN.

The picture presented In the brief cable notices of Mark Twains 'kneelng con tlnually by the coffin of his wife and speaking to no one" speaks eloquently of the ideal relationship that existed between the greatest of American humorists and his wife, of whom the public seems to have known comparatively little. Her death which occurred In Italy, has re- called not too late the great influences she exerted through the changing years not only upon her husbands career but upon the brilliant cotorie of congenial spirits he gathered about him when they resided in Hartford.
 A writer who knew both MT and Mrs
 Clemens well writes as follows in the Springfield Republican,:
 Ut was to build up Mrs. Clemens
 health that the family went to Italy last November and since December she had been seen only by her friends. although she was for while In the winter thought to be improving. The end was not ex- pected. when 1t came; half an hour be- fore. she had been talking cheerfully with her husband. Mrs. Clemens was aoout 52 years old, sixteen years younger than Mark Twain; they had been married for thirty-four years. She was OliVia l.. Iangdon daughter of Jervls Langdon, a leading citizen of Elmira, N. Y. His ac- ouaintance with her began in singular fashion. In 1870 Miss Langdon had been confined to her bed with what was be- Ueyed to be an incurable disease, but her health was restored in an apparently miraculous manner by her fervent pray CTS. Clemens, then New York news paper reporter, went to Elmira to learn the facts. and there the two found them selves in love with each other. The story has often been told how, somewhat desperately, Clemens broke the news to MT. Langdon, entering his private office and saying in his hesitating fashion: MT. I.angdon, have you-notced-anythin be- tween your daughter-and mel? 'Nov the father sharply answered, wheeling around in his chair. We'll, said the suitor, with one hand on the door, ready for flight If you-keep-a sharp lookout -you--wil! There was, after all no serious objection, and the marriage proved entirely happy. Ii was fortunate that Mrs. Clemens had fortune when Charles l.. Webster X Co. failed, twenty years | ago. she had invested a large sum in the enterprise before; and when the crash
 came Mir. Clemens, the special partner
 by her aid. paid off at once 30 per cent ! or the HdblillleS, ana then began that
 remarkable tour of the world, lecturing | and writing, until he had cancelled every
 debt against the firm, including a full | third for which he was not legally liable. i Tt Is often said that this action was
 without parallel except that of Sir Wal 1 ter Scott--but there was one nearer ex-
 ample that of George William Curtis in | clearing up the debts of G. r. Putnam &, | Go. To his wife MT. Clemens always as- | cribed not only the faithful sustainment | in this juncture, but the best help he had | in his life. At the dinner given him at the Metropolitan club in New York city. two years ago, he spoke of her as The 1 best of consorts. the truest of friends the kindest of critics" She was indeed a wo- man of fine intellect, and had that perfect sense of humor which Mark Twains wife must needs have had; she was ready and versatile in conversation and made charming the Clemens house in Hartford.
 where they lived a good many years. In | the center of choice companionship of accomplished people, with Rev. Joseph H. l Twichell. Charles Dudley Warner and
 others of note among them. She knew l we'll how to help both the humorist and