The Minor Family of Somerset

Thomas Lister, of Ovenden, Samuel's father, is described by Vica
r Favour, inthe Register of Burials of the year 1605 as "vir ho
nestissimus et religiosissimus>" this praise, one notes is in t
he superlative degree-" most honourableand most religious." On
e would like to know more about an ancestor of suchgreat merit
, but there is not much to be raked up about him from the dust o
f the past. Besides the paternal estate in "Ovenden town," nea
r Ovenden Hall, called sometimes in old deeds "Parkroyd," and so
metimes "arkhouse," we knowthat he held lands in Northowram an
d property at Little Horton and Bowling near Bradford.
will 4 March 1605 proved York 11 June 1606
From, "Vicar Favourand His Times"
He was great-great-great-grandson of Richard Littester, draper
, who was residuary legatee, along with testator's three sons, i
n the will of Henry, the first Savile of Copley, and inferential
ly a son in-law. this Richard Lister held a messuage and four a
cres of land, which had been Robert Lister's (probably his fathe
r); and also inter alia, another messuage and 4 acres, late Rich
ard Illingworth's and occurs in a rental of Halifax dated 17th D
ecember 1439. Thomas Lister of Ovenden made his will 4th May 16
05, proved11th June 1606. He stated he had preferred all his c
hildren, yet bequeathedto Mr. George Boothe, who married his da
ughter Mary, l pound 6s.8d; and the same sum to each of his othe
r daughters; viz, Edith wife of Robart Hemingway of Overbreare
, Grace, wife of Isaack Hopkinson, Sibill, wife of John Whitley
, and Phoebe, wife of Mr. Kempe of Bradford, and the residue t
o his younger son Samuell Lister. We have already given some ac
count of Mr. George Boothe.Mr. Caleb Kep was vicar of Bradford
, and his will was proved 26th April 1615, before the dean of Po
ntefract by his widow. Samuel Lister, the younger son, was th
e first to reside at Shibden Hall, Southowram; and his son Thoma
s married one of the coheiresses of that estate.