Joel S. Halbert of Texas County, Missouri

Joel S. Halbert, one of the prominent farmers of Texas County, Mo., is the son of Eli G. and Frances (Sherrill) Halbert, both natives of Tennessee, born in 1805 and 1812, respectively. In early life they both came to St. Francois County, where they married in 1828. About 1843 they came to Texas County, Mo., and made Sherrill Township their home the remainder of their lives. Mr. Halbert was one of the leading farmers of his day, and in connection for some time ran a store in Licking. He held the position of county judge, being presiding judge at the time of his death, which occurred in 1872. He was a Democrat in politics. The mother was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and died in 1875. They were the parents of thirteen children, six of whom are living, one son and five daughters. Joel S. Halbert was born December 27, 1840, in St. Francois County, and was the sixth child in order of birth. He attained his growth on the farm, and received the greater part of his education in the old subscription schools, receiving a fair education for that day. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Capt. John Nichols' company, Missouri Infantry, State service, where he served six months. He then joined the regular Confederate army, and served three years. In the State service he participated in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Dry Wood and Lexington, Mo. In the regular service he participated in the battles of Helena, Ark., Mansfield, La., and Jenkins' Ferry, Ark., and was neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He held no office save corporal. After returning home he was married, December 31, 1867, to Miss Martha J. Thornton, a native of this county, who was born March 13, 1849. To this union were born ten children: Eureka P., Eli C., Estella P., Ephraim G., Frances A., Mary E., Eva M., Bertha C., Bessie M. and Carrie. Mr. Halbert has carried on farming all his life, and is the owner of 302 acres, with about 125 acres under cultivation. As a business man he has been very successful, although commencing with limited means, and he is now the owner of a good property, notwithstanding that he came from the war penniless and that he has been burned out once since. Mr. Halbert is a Democrat in politics, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.