Year 1872 - 1874

These few years have been busy for my small family. My first daughter, Susan, was born. With the new addition to our family, I felt the need to build a house. I purchased a property on Farmington Avenue and excitedly began the building process. It is quite dramatic in size and appearance, and it is an accomplishment that has brought my family and me joy.

My dear wife also birthed our second daughter, Clara.

...a family brought love, and distributed it among many objects, and intensified it, and this engendered wearing cares and anxieties, and when the objects suffered or died the miseries and anxieties multiplied and broke the heart and shortened life...

Year 1868-1870

I have met the love of my life. Her name is Olivia Langdon. Tomorrow is February second, and we will be married in Elmira, New York. I am in love. Need I say more?


Love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. It just comes-none knows whence-and cannot explain itself. 

Year 1865 - 1867

Two years ago I penned the story 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' which later  was published as 'The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.'

I just returned home from spending the night in a New York City Jail. My arrest was for misconduct in the city.

Year 1863 - 1864

My name is Samuel Langhorne Clemens. It is a good name. However, I am a fresh new journalist and need a "nom de guerre." While working on the steamboat sometime ago, a gentleman used to jot down brief paragraphs of plain practical information about the river, and he would sign them 'Mark Twain,' and he would give them to the 'New Orleans Picayune." I confiscated the ancient mariner's discarded one, and have done my best to maintain what is was in his hands, a sign and symbol and warrant that whatever is found in its company may be gambled on as being the petrified truth. 


I have given you reasons for my new adopted pen name, but from now on, if I choose to use my name I will refer to myself as Mark. 


Now, currently I am working as a reporter for the San Francisco Morning Call and the Sacramento Union. The job provides the experience I need to become a greater writer. 

Year 1859 - 1861

A few years ago I discussed the possibility of receiving a Steamboat Pilot License. Well I finally did receive one. I have worked as a river pilot for sometime now, and it has been a fascinating experience.

 However, a war in our nation has recently broke out. People are saying it is a civil war, between the north and the south. This outbreak is resulting in a stop in my pilot career. 

Year 1856 - 1858

Last year I gave my first public speech at the printer's banquet which was held in Keokuk, Iowa. It went well, however at the time I was nervous. But now I realize there was no need for the nerves because many people congratulated me on my intelligent commentary. 


My brother, Henry Clemens, passed. It was a devastating accident that dealt with an explosion of a steamboat. It has been difficult to cope, but that is my reality. 


Because of the incident, I have decided to receive  a steamboat pilot license. This way I can possibly help prevent further accidents that are dealt with these powerful machines. 

Year 1851 - 1853

My first sketch has finally appeared in the Hannibal Journal. I entitled it "A Gallant Fireman." This is a great accomplishment, and I am proud. My writing is improving, and I feel more confident. 


Apart from this news, I have been working as a printer in St. Louis, New York City, and Philadelphia. These printing presses are increasing my love for writing, and as I work, I am able to find my true potential for this life. 


As well as printing, I am working as a correspondent for Iowa's Muscatine Journal from Philadelphia. It is giving me more opportunities to be near other great minds who love writing and printing like I do.