Mark Twain letters to Mary J. Mason Fairbanks, 1867-1895

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Summary

Creators:
Clemens, Samuel Langhorne, 1835-1910.
Abstract:
This collection contains 105 letters from American author Samuel Clemens (also known as Mark Twain) to his friend and confidante Mary J. Mason Fairbanks, written between 1867 and 1895.
Extent:
107 pieces in 2 boxes.
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains 104 letters from American author Samuel Clemens (also known as Mark Twain) to his friend and confidante Mary J. Mason Fairbanks. In addition, there are also single letters from Clemens to Fairbanks's husband Abel Whitmore Fairbanks (HM 14232) and the Fairbanks's children Charles Mason Fairbanks (HM 14317), and Mary Paine Fairbanks Robinson (HM 14292). The collection also includes one letter to Mrs. Fairbanks from Olivia Langdon Clemens (HM 14262). The letters from Samuel Clemens to Mary Fairbanks are often addressed to "Dear mother," and signed "Mark," or, occasionally, "Your son."

Biographical / historical:

American author Samuel Clemens met Mary Mason Fairbanks (1828-1898) in 1867 on board the steamship the Quaker City, going to Europe and the Near East, and they became friends. Fairbanks was married to Abel Fairbanks, an owner of the Cleveland Herald, and she was traveling in the role of a correspondent for the Herald under the pen name, "Myra." Following the trip, Clemens and Fairbanks corresponded regularly, most notably during the time Clemens was courting his future wife Olivia Langdon.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from William H. Bixby, 1918.
Arrangement:

The letters are arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Items are available with curatorial approval. Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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