Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 775. CHARLES M. LISTER a farmer and stockman residing about nine miles up the Ochoco in Crook county, is one of the first settlers in the territory now embraced in this county and has labored here since, assiduously and wisely. The result is, he has achieved a splendid success and is now enjoying the fruits of his labors here. He has seen the country grow from the wilderness that prevailed everywhere when he came, to its present prosperous condition and has assisted very materially to bring about the same. Charles M. Lister was born in Kentucky, on January 22, 1852. His father, Thomas Lister, was born on the Atlantic ocean between Liverpool and New York and spent his boyhood days in Boston. Then he journeyed west to Kentucky, being a young man and there enlisted to fight in the Mexican War. He served all through that struggle with Taylor and at the close of the war, returned to the Blue Grass State. In 1853 he crossed the plains to Oregon, using ox teams for the trip and made settlement in Lane county. His train was the noted one which started on the Meeks cut off' and nearly perished in crossing the barren plains of Central Oregon. By almost superhuman effort, however, they finally reached the Cascades and sent three men on over the mountains to secure aid and assist the others along. In due time assistance came and what was left of the train finally made its way into the Willamette valley. The father remained on his donation claim in Lane county until 1870 when he came to what is now Crook county, bought land and engaged in the stock business. This occupied him until his death. He became a very prominent and well to do man in this country and was widely known. The mother of our subject is Mary E. (Geter) Lister, and was born in Kentucky, where she was reared and married. She participated in the labors and successes of her husband and was a true helpmeet to him all through the trying pioneer days. Our subject was educated in Lane county, and came with his father in October, 1870 to what is now Crook county. He bought land and engaged in the stock business which he started in a very modest way, having practically no means, but has gradually increased his holdings until he now has twelve hundred acres of choice land and a large number of live stock. He is one of the representative men of the country and is justly entitled to the position which he holds. Mr. Lister has been twice married. Has first wife was Clara Claypool, who died on January 16, 1888. To them were born three children, Clarence, Warren, and Kenneth, deceased. The second wife was Miss Mary Miller, a native of Marion county, Oregon, and one child has been born to this union, Laddas. Mrs. Lister's father, James F. Miler, was a native of Missouri and crossed the plains to Oregon in 1849, accompaning his father, Charles Miller. The Miller's were a very prominent and wealthy family and enjoy an excellent and extended reputation. Mrs. Listers mother was Julia (Smith) Miller, a native of Arkansas and she crossed the plains with her parents in the early forties. Mr. Lister has every reason to take pride in the success that he has achieved and his example is a worthy one to emulate. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2011 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.