John Livingstone, who was a playmate of Mark Twain, was found dead in bed here today. Livingstone, who was a negro, was one
of the best known men in Clackamas County, and his life's story is romantic throughout. He had lived in this county since 1864,
and leaves an estate valued at $15,000. No man in the county was more respected, and no man had a better reputation for honesty.

Livingstone was born in 1836 in Missouri, being the son of slaves. When about 12 years of age he was sold to Joseph
Daugherty, of Hannibal, Mo., who was an uncle of F. A. Miles, now a deputy Sheriff of Clackamas County. His boyhood was passed
in that quaint river town, and Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), who was just one year his senior, and he became fast friends. When
Mr. Daugherty died, Livingstone, or just John, as he was known them, was sold to Judge Joseph Ringo, of La Plata for $850. Judge
Ringo was a Southern sympathizer and John remained with him until the year before the war closed. He was a faithful slave and
declared he would never be separated from his master.

However, it soon became rumored that Union soldiers would compel Judge Ringo's slaves to leave him and John and Joseph Ringo,
a son of the judge, decided to go to Oregon in 1864. Ringo and his negro companion encountered all kinds of hardships, but they
finally reached Oregon City. The next year Judge Ringo, having virtually lost everything he had as a result of the war, moved
with his family to this city and obtained a farm at Clarkes. John remained faithful and a few years later the judge gave his
former slave a ranch near Clarkes. It was about this time that John assumed the surname of Livingstone, after that of the famous
African explorer. The negro was frugal and industrious and added to his property until his death, when he was the possessor of a
40-acre tract near Salem and 180 acres in Eastern Oregon. He was married and to the union was born one child. Charles, who is
employed in a sawmill at Boring. Mrs. Livingstone died several years ago, and was buried in a cemetery at Clarkes. There the
heartbroken husband went every Sunday and placed flowers on her grave.

Mr. Livingstone called at Justice of the Peace Samson's office yesterday and gave him $1.50 with which to pay insurance dues
in the State Grange. He seemed to be in good health then.

About nine years ago Livingstone gave up farming and had since worked for Frank Welsh and R. F. Linn. He was a favorite with
the families of both and died at the home of Mr. Welsh. The interment probably will be held at Clarkes Sunday.