Her family had many literary and musical connections in Europe. Wister, known as "Dan" to friends and family, went to a private school near his home and then to Harvard. There he continued a literary bent shown in earlier years by writing for the college paper, the
Crimson, and dabbling in light opera. Although his mother encouraged his musical talents, she never seemed happy with his writing work. A review of Wister's correspondence reveals that neither parent ever seemed fully pleased with this capable, well-rounded Harvard Phi Beta Kappa.
After his 1882 graduation, Wister studied music in Europe and his piano virtuosity was touted by no less than Franz Lizst. His father opposed the young man's love of music and pushed his own desire to see him established in a business career in Boston. Ever the obedient son, he returned to the United States. While the talented young Wister languished in his position at the Union Safe Deposit Vaults of Boston, he wrote a novel with a cousin but did not submit it for publication.
Although Wister formed many literary-minded friendships and enjoyed the men's clubs in Boston, his health began to deteriorate. Following the orders of his doctor, in 1885 Wister summered in Wyoming.
