Wisconsin publisher and women’s-rights pioneer Lester’s remains return home 138 years after death

Lester trained women to work as typesetters at a time when the field was largely dominated by men. (Photos: Found SF) For 138 years, the remains of Lisle Lester, a Fond du Lac woman who became known as a journalist, publisher, actress and advocate for women’s rights, remained unclaimed in a New York mortuary. Now, after years of efforts by women in her former Wisconsin community, Lester is finally coming home.Lester was born Sophia Walker in 1837 and moved to Fond du Lac when she was six years old, NBC 6 reported. She later built a career that took her far beyond Wisconsin, becoming known for her work in publishing and on stage, as well as for supporting causes she believed in.“She wore many hats,” said Tracy Reinhardt, a local historian and historical consultant for the Fond du Lac Soroptimist Education Committee. Reinhardt also described Lester as a major but little-known figure from the city's past.Lester started The Badger State Monthly in 1859, which is described as the first magazine published in Wisconsin. Her work also helped women enter the printing industry. She trained women to work as typesetters at a time when the field was largely dominated by men.Publisher who challe...