Mark Twain

Born on November 30, 1835, marking the beginning of a remarkable life that would eventually earn him recognition as one of America's most celebrated writers.

Twain was born two weeks after Halley's Comet's closest approach to Earth on February 27th, marking a significant and auspicious start to his life.

Twain formed an acquaintance with Charlotte Teller, who may have included romantic intentions on her part, marking the beginning of an early relationship that would shape his personal life.

At age 14, Mark Twain left school to become a printer's apprentice in New York City, setting him on a path towards education and career development through hard work and dedication.

As a printer's apprentice, Mark Twain contributed articles to the Hannibal Journal, showcasing his early writing skills and building connections in the community.

Through public libraries in the evenings, Mark Twain educated himself, expanding his knowledge and intellectual horizons beyond formal education.

As a printer, Mark Twain worked in various cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, honing his skills and building experience in the industry.

Steamboat Pennsylvania's boiler exploded on June 13, 1858, resulting in a catastrophic accident that would have a lasting impact on Mark Twain's life.

Twain's younger brother Henry died eight days after the steamboat accident on June 21, 1858, leading to a deep sense of responsibility and guilt in Mark Twain.

The Civil War broke out in April 1861, prompting Mark Twain to enlist as a Second Lieutenant in the Marion Rangers on May 5, 1861.

Initiated as an Entered Apprentice in Polar Star Lodge No. 79 A.F.&A.M. and passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on June 12, 1861, and was raised to the degree of Master Mason on July 10, 1861, demonstrating his commitment to Freemasonry and its values during a pivotal time in American history.

Twain first used his pen name 'Mark Twain' at the Territorial Enterprise newspaper on February 3, 1863, marking an early step in his writing career.

Became a writer of the Sagebrush School and began writing humorous verse for Territorial Enterprise newspaper in Virginia City, Nevada,

Captain Isaiah Sellers died, leading Samuel Clemens to adopt his signature name 'Mark Twain'. However, it is disputed that Mark Twain was entirely his invention and borrowed from Captain Sellers' signature after the latter's death. The true origin of Mark Twain remains unclear. This event highlights Twain's connection to riverboat life and the early days of his literary career.

Twain moved to San Francisco as a journalist, where he would begin to establish himself as a writer and reporter.

Raised money to build a Presbyterian Church in Nevada, showcasing his philanthropic efforts and business acumen, as he navigated the complexities of building a community in the American West during the Civil War era.

Twain's short story 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' was published in The Saturday Press on November 18, 1865, bringing him national attention and acclaim.

Published his first notable work, 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County', on November 18th.

Presented a lecture on Sandwich Islands to a crowd in Washoe City, Nevada,

Twain traveled to the Mediterranean aboard the Quaker City with local newspapers funding his trip, a journey that would broaden his horizons and inspire future writing projects.

Mark Twain set sail on the pleasure cruiser Quaker City for five months, which inspired The Innocents Abroad or The New Pilgrims' Progress.

Mark Twain offered honorary membership in Yale University's secret society Scroll and Key, recognizing his growing reputation as a writer and intellectual.

Twain corresponded with Olivia Langdon regarding their potential marriage, initiating a long-distance courtship between the two candidates for his hand in marriage.

In Elmira, New York, Twain married Olivia Langdon, beginning their life together and establishing a home in Buffalo, New York, where they resided from 1869-1871.

Twain wrote about his views on racial difference and American Indians in the tract 'The Noble Red Man'. This piece advocated for genocide against Native Americans, highlighting Twain's problematic views on indigenous peoples during this time period.

Mark Twain moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where he lived for nearly two decades and established a home and family life.

Tragedy struck the Clemenses when Olivia Langdon died of diphtheria at the age of 19 months, leaving Twain to care for their infant daughter Susy, who would later die in 1896.

Twain published Roughing It as an account of his journey from Missouri to Nevada and his visit to Hawaii.

Twain relocated his family from Buffalo to Hartford, Connecticut, a move that marked a significant shift in the Clemenses' life and would ultimately serve as a catalyst for Twain's literary success.

Twain collaborated with Charles Dudley Warner on The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today, a novel written that year.

The Clemenses welcomed two new additions: Clara was born, and Susan Crane built a study and octagonal gazebo at Quarry Farm, Twain's summer home in Elmira, New York, providing him with a peaceful retreat for writing.

Twain wrote Old Times on the Mississippi, a series of sketches published in the Atlantic Monthly.

Twain welcomed his daughter Jean into the family, who would go on to die in 1909 and leave behind a legacy of her father's literary works.

Twain invested $300,000 (equivalent to $9,774,828 in 2024) on the Paige typesetting machine during a period of five years.

Published his essay 'Three Statements of the Eighties' in the 1880s, presenting an early expression of Twain's philosophical views on morality and faith that would shape his later writings and critiques of societal norms.

The Prince and the Pauper was published, marking a notable milestone in Twain's career as an author and cementing his reputation as a writer of classic novels.

Honored at a banquet in Montreal, Canada, for his literary achievements and contributions to American literature.

Twain sent a photograph of himself in a white suit to Edward W. Bok, marking one of his earliest experiments with wearing such attire out-of-season.

Life on the Mississippi was published, further solidifying Twain's position as a leading literary figure of his time and showcasing his expertise as a writer of non-fiction works.

Twain featured fingerprinting as a forensic technique in his novel Life on the Mississippi, showcasing its potential for crime solving.

Paid a brief visit to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, as part of his reading tour with George Washington Cable.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published, a novel that would go on to become one of the most iconic American classics of all time, reflecting Twain's unique blend of humor and social commentary.

Visited Toronto twice in 1884 on a reading tour with George Washington Cable, showcasing his literary skills and connecting with audiences across North America.

Twain published Life on the Mississippi based on his experiences on the Mississippi River after a 22-year absence from the river.

Completed a second reading tour of Toronto in 1885, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent American writer.

Twain wrote a letter to William Dean Howells, expressing his views on the labor movement and his support for unions in the river boating industry.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court was published, demonstrating Twain's versatility as a writer and his ability to tackle a wide range of subjects, from satire to science fiction.

Twain introduced modern technology to Arthurian England in his novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, blending historical and futuristic elements.

Spoke to the Savage Club in London in late 1890s, sharing his unique perspective on literature and culture with British audiences.

Expressed a less optimistic view of God's goodness through his later writings, indicating a shift in his perspective on the nature of divine intervention and the role of faith in shaping human experience.

Twain closed down his Hartford home with his family and moved to Europe, marking a significant change in their lives.

Twain left Hartford, Connecticut, marking the end of nearly two decades of residence in this city where he built a life and wrote some of his most famous works.

The Clemens family stayed mainly in Berlin during the winter of 1891-92, exploring European culture and experiences.

During the fall and winter of 1892-93, the Clemens family moved to Florence, Italy, broadening their perspectives on art and history.

Twain's friendship with financier Henry Huttleston Rogers began in 1893. This marked a significant turning point in Twain's life as he sought financial assistance to pay off his debts. The two men formed a strong bond, and Rogers provided Twain with crucial support during this tumultuous period.

Twain featured fingerprinting as a forensic technique in his novel Pudd'nhead Wilson, further solidifying its importance in crime solving.

In April 1894, Twain invested in the Paige typesetting machine, which became obsolete before it could be perfected by the Linotype. This investment was a significant financial risk, but Twain remained optimistic about its potential benefits.

Filing for bankruptcy due to financial difficulties that prompted him to write rapidly, forcing him to complete Pudd'nhead Wilson in a short span of time.

Twain embarked on a year-long around-the-world lecture tour in July 1895 to pay off his creditors. During this tour, he traveled extensively across northern America and the Pacific Ocean, visiting several countries along the way.

Publishing Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc anonymously in serials in Harper's Magazine as he faced dire financial straits and wanted the work to be taken seriously.

Twain ridiculed the author of Last of the Mohicans, Fenimore Cooper, in a writing that showcased his critical view of literary works and authors of his time.

In July 1896, Twain completed his circumnavigation of the world. Despite facing numerous health issues during the tour, including a persistent cold and carbuncle, Twain persevered and successfully fulfilled his obligations to his creditors.

The family spent four years in Europe, mainly in England and Austria, from October 1897 to May 1899. This period was marked by Twain's ongoing health issues, which made him increasingly reliant on European baths for relief.

Delivered a speech titled "Die Schrecken der Deutschen Sprache" (The Horrors of the German Language) at the Concordia Press Club in Vienna as a special guest, highlighting his expertise on language and culture.

Twain traveled extensively and wrote about his experiences in 'Following the Equator', describing India as a country with no equivalent elsewhere. In this piece, he noted that only humans are vile, while nature is beautiful.

In the spring of that year, Twain moved to London after consulting with specialists in Vienna. He spent several months at Dollis Hill House as a guest of Hugh Gilzean-Reid before returning to America in October 1900.

Invited to speak at Princeton University's Cliosophic Literary Society and made an honorary member, solidifying his connection with American literary circles and academic institutions.

Twain received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Yale University in recognition of his literary achievements and contributions to American culture.

Twain began publishing chapters from his autobiography in the North American Review in September, providing readers with a glimpse into his life story and experiences.

Mark Twain delivers the 'Votes for Women' speech in support of women's suffrage rights.

Published 'To the Person Sitting in Darkness' in February 1901 and 'To My Missionary Critics' in April 1901, critiquing the actions of missionaries and imperialism while offering a philosophical response to their methods, highlighting his commitment to speaking truth to power.

Twain was awarded a Doctor of Law degree by the University of Missouri, solidifying his reputation as a respected writer and intellectual figure.

Olivia Clemens's death occurred, bringing an end to Mark Twain's marriage and leaving him with significant emotional loss.

After the death of Twain's wife, he began wearing white suits on the lecture circuit, becoming known for this distinctive fashion choice during his later years.

Published "King Leopold's Soliloquy", a critical work exposing the atrocities committed by King Leopold II of Belgium in the Congo Free State, highlighting the horrors of colonialism and imperialism.

The War Prayer is rejected by Harper's Bazaar due to its perceived anti-war sentiment and later Mark Twain's personal views on religion.

Twain played a crucial role in helping Ina Coolbrith after the devastating San Francisco earthquake, demonstrating his compassion and dedication to those affected by disaster.

During a transatlantic crossing, Twain met Dorothy Quick and joined Oxford University as a recipient of a Doctorate of Law, marking an important milestone in his academic career.

Twain engaged in a meaningful exchange of letters with the 'Angel Fish' girls, who were aged between 10-16 years old and served as surrogate granddaughters to him through his membership in the Angel Fish and Aquarium Club.

Appeared with Halley's Comet in 1835 and predicted his death would accompany it, an event that occurred on December 31, 1910, just days after the comet was at its closest to the Sun.

Twain made a prediction about Halley's Comet being near at the time of his death, demonstrating his continued interest in astronomy and his ability to think critically about the universe.

Died of a heart attack on December 31, 1910, bringing an end to his remarkable life and legacy as one of America's most iconic writers.