LISBOA, Joao Francisco (lis-bo'-ah), Brazilian journalist, born in Maranhao, 12 May, 1812; died in Lisbon, Portugal, 26 April, 1863. His parents were country people, and young Joao spent his boyhood on their farm, reaching the age of seventeen before he was able to read and write. In 1829 he had made enough money to enter the college in the capital of his province, and in two years he began to contribute to the local newspapers. He published the paper "O Brasileiro" in 1832 and the "Pharol" and the "Echo do Norte' in 1833, all of which were in existence till 1836. In 1838-'41 he published the "Chronica." From 1835 until 1848 he was chief clerk to the secretary of the government of the province of Rio Janeiro. He took an active interest in politics, and in 1840 was an unsuccessful candidate for congress. In 1848 he retired to private life, giving his time to study, and in 1855 Pedro II. sent Lisboa to Portugal to obtain data for completing the history of Brazil. After collecting all the necessary information he began the work, but died without finishing it. He also published "Jornal de Timon" (1851); "Historia do Maranhao" (Maranhao, 1850); and a life of Father Vicera (Lisbon, 1860).