John Liston, an English actor, born in London in 1776, died March 22, 1846. He was educated at Dr. Barrow's school, Soho, and subsequently became second master in the grammar school of St. Martin's, Leicester square, founded by Archbishop Tenison. Having been expelled from this establishment for acting in plays with the large boys, he went upon the stage, and for several years appeared in provincial theatres with moderate success. His Diggory in " She Stoops to Conquer " first revealed his remarkable comic genius. In 1806 he obtained an engagement at the Hay-market theatre, and by his Gawkey in the " Chapter of Accidents " and Lord Grizzle in " Tom Thumb " established a reputation as one of the first low comedians of the day. In 1809 he attempted tragedy, with but moderate success. His famous character of Paul Pry, first performed in 1825, created an unusual sensation. Among his other principal characters were Mawworm, Tony Lumpkin, Bombastes Furioso, and Billy Lackaday in " Sweethearts and Wives." He retired from the stage about 1837. He was a man of exemplary character. - His wife, whose maiden name was Tyres, born in London about 1780, was almost a dwarf, but was for many years a favorite with the public in her acting as well as in her songs.

Her best part was that of Queen Dol-lalolla in "Tom Thumb." She was married to Liston in 1807, and died Sept. 19, 1854.