Charles Donald Livingstone, son of Catherine and Hugh Livingstone of Black Brook, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, came West in 1908 and settled in Yorkton. He soon became prominent in the town’s life, having opened a law office with a partner and becoming mayor in 1913. Although well established, and 43 years of age, he decided to enlist in the army in 1914. He joined the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion and was soon sent to the Western Front. Major Livingstone died in battle at the Somme, France October 12, 1916. Two of his descendants visited the Yorkton Archives, both doing research, great nephew I. Livingstone of Calgary called in some years ago, and great, great nephew Alan Livingstone MacLeod visited us in 2012. Alan Macleod has done extensive research on his ancestors. This Cape Breton family was hit particularly hard with the death of three sons during the war. Alan and his spouse visited the memorial cemeteries of their ancestors in Europe. Alan also authored the book Remembered In Bronze and Stone: Canada’s Great War Memorial Statuary 2016.
Yorkton also felt a great sorrow upon Major Livingstone’s death and have marks of remembrance on the cenotaph and a memorial plaque at the Yorkton Court House. Front Street North was also re-named Livingstone Street in his honour in 1917.
Contact Terri Lefebvre Prince,
Heritage Researcher,
City of Yorkton Archives,
Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North
Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2W3
306-786-1722
heritage@yorkton.ca
