Langdon Estate Papers, 1837-2006

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains Langdon Family genealogical material as well as documents, manuscripts and newspaper clippings about Mark Twain, Quarry Farm, and the Underground Railroad.
Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Langdon Estate Papers include genealogical notes about the Langdon family and related lines; personal papers of Jervis Langdon I, Jervis Langdon II, and Ida Langdon; notes and writing on Mark Twain and the Underground Railroad; legal documents relating to Quarry Farm; misc. material associated with Elmira, New York.

Biographical / historical:

Jervis Langdon (1809-1870) and his wife Olivia Lewis Langdon (1810-1890) came to Elmira in the 1830s. Jervis was a wealthy businessman involved with the lumber and coal industries. The couple were ardent abolitionists, financial backers of the Underground Railroad, and founding members of the Park Church. Their children were Susan Crane (1836-1924), Olivia L. Clemens (1845-1904) and Charles J. Langdon (1849-1916). Olivia Clemens was the wife of author Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain. Charles Langdon eventually took over his father's business. He married Ida B. Clark (1849-1934) and fathered three children: Julia Langdon Loomis (1871-1948), Jervis Langdon (1875-1952), and Ida Langdon (1880-1964). Jervis Langdon married Eleanor Sayles (1878-1971) and fathered Jervis Langdon II (1905-2004) and Eleanor Langdon Pennock (1906-?). Jervis Langdon II and his wife Irene (1922-2015) were actively involved in the John W. Jones Museum and the preservation of Mark Twain's memory.

Acquisition information:
The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library by the Estate of Irene Langdon in 2015.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.

Location of this collection:
415 E. Water Street
Elmira, NY 14901, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(607) 734-4167
cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org