Wister, John (1708-1789)

Philadelphia merchant.

Immigrated to Philadelphia (1727). Imported wines, agricultural tools, and other goods from Germany. Purchased considerable real estate in Philadelphia, Germantown, and Bristol, Pennsylvania. Franklin’s landlord (1756-61).

Son of Johannes Caspar Wistar of Wald- Hilspach, Baden, near Heidelberg; brother of Caspar Wistar and uncle of Richard Wister. Married (1) Salome Zimmerman (1731); four children. Married (2) Anna Catherina Rubenkam (1737); five children, including Franklin correspondents Daniel and William Wister. Married (3) —.