News

Mark Twain Plaque Stolen From Monument At New York Gravesite

by db

01.05.15 | 11:36 am

Author Samuel Longhorne Clemens, better known under his pen name, Mark Twain, is seen in this undated photo. Twain grew up along the Mississippi River and became a riverboat pilot. He used that setting for some of... Author Samuel Longhorne Clemens, better known under his pen name, Mark Twain, is seen in this undated photo. Twain grew up along the Mississippi River and became a riverboat pilot. He used that setting for some of the great fiction classics of American literature such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." He took his name from the riverboat pilot's cry "mark the twain," meaning two fathoms. One of the world's favorite authors, Twain died April 21, 1910. (AP Photo) MORE LESS

ELMIRA, N.Y. (AP) — Police are investigating the theft of a bronze plaque from a monument at Mark Twain’s gravesite in upstate New York.

The superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira said Monday that the 12-by-12-inch likeness of the American writer was likely stolen between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The plaque showing Twain’s image was one of two on a 12-foot-tall, 78-year-old granite monument commissioned by Twain’s daughter Clara. The other plaque, of Clara’s husband, was untouched.

Twain was born Samuel Langhorne Clemens and grew up in Hannibal, Missouri.

The author of such classics as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Tom Sawyer” married Olivia Langdon of Elmira and had a summer home in the upstate city. He died in 1910 and was buried in the Langdon family plot at Woodlawn.

Send Tips

Mark Twain Plaque Stolen From Monument At New York Gravesite

Notable Replies

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

Participants