What a coincidence that you posed this today.  I'm in Enterprise, Oregon where the community is reading Tom Sawyer for The Big Read and I was brought in to do a teacher workshop and the keynote kickoff.  My host said I had to meet someone here who has had a nagging Twain question for some time.  He collects oil paintings and years ago had purchased one of a dog done by Eustace Paul Ziegler (then a student) in 1903 titled Bonheure.  He was told that it was a painting of the world's most famous dog and that Mark Twain had written the dog's obit.  I don't know how you get from Bummer to Bonheure or if this is a wild goose - er, dog - chase.  Does anyone know anything about Ziegler painting such a picture?  I took a photo of the painting this morning on my iPhone and would be happy to email it to anyone who'd like to take a gander.  

Thanks!
Cindy


Cindy Lovell, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum

120 N. Main St.
Hannibal MO 63401
Phone: 573-221-9010 ext. 402
Cell: 386-748-1256
Fax: 573-221-7975
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web site: http://marktwainmuseum.org/

"Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." ~Mark Twain


________________________________________
From: Mark Twain Forum [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Richard Reineccius [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2011 5:40 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!

Today, 8 January 2011: (from CoastToCoastam.com)

On this date in 1880, the "ruler" Emperor Norton passed away in San Francisco. The eccentric Joshua Abraham Norton proclaimed himself "Emperor of these United States and Protector of Mexico." During his 20-year "reign," he was humored by the locals, and currency was even issued in his name.

Richard R - San Francisco/Oakland
The Twain Lane Collaborative, SF

NON-TRIVIA: Emperor Norton was usually seen up and down and near Market Street SF, in Berkeley and elsewhere, in the company of two famous derelict dogs, _________ and __________. Twain knew them personally.

No prize will be awarded for knowing the answer w/ or w/o a lookup.

There's fun info at the SF Virtual Museum:
(including a famous Jump cartoon drawing)
http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist6/lazarus.html