JOSEPH B. LISTON was born in Macoupin County, Illinois, Augut 19th, 1838. His father was a native of Marion county, Kentucky. The Listons were originally from Virginia, but emigrated to Kentucky at an early period in the history of that state. The family, on the paternal side, is of Irish ancestry, and, on the maternal, Scotch. Joseph Liston, the father, married Martha Bland, who was also a native of Marion county, Kentucky. Seven children were born to them, namely: George B.; Sarah Ann; John T.; Joseph B.; William T.; Susan M. and Albert M. Liston. But two are living: Albert M., who is a farmer and resident of North Palmyra, a township in this county, and the subject of our sketch. The father, in the earlier part of his life, learned the saddlery and harness-making trade, at which he worked while a resident of his native state. After his removal to Macoupin county, he continued at this trade and farming for perhaps five or six years, when he abandoned it, and engaged in farming entirely. In March, 1838, he left Kentucky, and arrived in Illinois on the 28th of the same month, and settled near Eagles Point, in North Palmyra township, where he remained until his death, which took place on the 31st of January, 1877. His wife died on the 25th of January, 1876. When Mr.Liston came to Illinois, he was like thousands of others who left their comfortable homes in the east or south to take up their abode in the great west. He was possessed of but little money and a few household goods, but he had industry, energy, and that kind of will necesary to brave the hardships and discomforts of pioneer life. He had confidence in his own powers, and his self-reliance gave him courage to meet and successfully combat all the ills and perils incident upon a life in Illinois a half a centry ago. His cheerfulness led him always to look on the bright side of things, and he never despaired of the future. By industry and the practice of economical habits he succeeded in accumulating sufficient of this world's goods to render him comfortable in his declining years. He is remembered as an exceedintgly kind of generous-hearted man, one who could not resist the appeals of a friend, and would frequently subject himself to great inconvenience in order that his friends might prosper. Among his neighbors and friends his honesty was proverbial. He was a man who enjoyed companionship, and therefore his acquaintance was extensive, and among all, he was regarded as a man actuated by the noblest of impulses. In his life he was a zealour mason. He participated in the formation, and was a charter member of several lodges of that ancient and honorable order in this and adjoining counties. The subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days at work upon the farm and in attending the common schools of his native place. At the age of seventeen years, he entered the academy at Virginia, Cass county, Illinois, where he remained two terms. On the 7th of November, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucretia, daughter of Daniel and Susan Dick. She is a native of Sangamon county, Illinois, but her parents were from Kentucky, and emigrated to Illinois in the year 1830. In 1859, Mr.Liston commenced riding as deputy under sheriff Plain. He continued as deputy until1 1862, when he was a candidate for sheriff before the democratic convention, but was defeated by two votes. From 1862 until 1866, he was engaged in farming and general stock dealing. In 1866, he again offered himself as a candidate for the office of sheriff on the democratic ticket. He was nominated, and, at the ensuing election in November, was elected by a handsome majority. He discharged the duties of the office to the entire satisfaction of his consituents. In the fall of 1868, he retired from office, and since that time he has been extensively engaged in trading and dealing in live stock. In politics, it will be understood, Mr. Liston belongs to the democratic party. HIs first presidential vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860. Since that time, he has been a warm supporter of the principles of the party of his first choice. Like his father, he is also a mason, having passed to the degree of Knight Templar.