Lister, Joseph B.

LISTER, LOWERY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/13/2009 at 07:26:09

Joseph B. Lister, a prominent and successful businessman of Newton, was born in Yorkshire, England, near the village of Bradford, April 30, 1855. He is the son of William Lister, who was also born in Yorkshire and was an operator in a woolen mill there. The family immigrated to America in l864 and settled in Philadelphia, PA, where the father engaged in the manufacturing business. In 1870 be came to Iowa and soon afterward opened a coalmine near Newton, in which be met with such success that he has since become one of the wealthiest men in the city. He and the subject of our sketch are the owners of the Lister Opera House, as well as other valuable property in and about Newton. A man of enterprise, push and excellent judgment, the success which has rewarded his efforts is not the result of fortuitous circumstances, but has been attained solely through his unaided shrewdness and ability.

A mere child at the time of coming to America, our subject is thoroughly identified with the progressive interests of the United States and is especially interested in the development of the wonderful resources of the State of Iowa. Coming to Newton at the age fifteen years, he grew to manhood here and has since made it his home, with the exception of nine years, during which time he occupied a large farm in Franklin County, clearing the land and tilling the soil of the estate with flattering success. Other than that, he has been engaged in business in Newton, being interested in a grocery here, and for several years the manager and proprietor of a meat market.

In 1878 Mr. Lister was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Lowery, who was born in Illinois and accompanied her parents to Iowa in 1868. Her father was a farmer by occupation and in connection therewith he also engaged in milling. Mr. Lister is one of a family of eleven children. He and his wife are the parents of four children, James J., William H., Hattie and Lottie. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 194.