WILLIAM A. HALBERT, M.D. The vocation of a physician is one that calls for a well-balanced mine, wherein quickness of perception, accurate judgment and a good memory are equally conspicuous. Moreover, the doctor must needs be cool and determined, yet tender hearted and sympathetic, able to gain the instinctive confidence of his patients and to inspire them with faith in his skill and his desire for their good. He must be ever ready to increase his knowledge by study and application, as new discoveries are being made in the scientific world, and to profit by his own experience and that of his fellow practitioners. Although young in years, the gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs already enjoys a large practice in and about Salisbury, and merits it for his close application to his professional duties.

Our subject is the eldest of three children born to Joseph E. and Martha P. (Baird) Halbert. His native place was Sumner County, Tenn., not far from the town of Gallatin, and his natal day October 16, 1860. He is descended from some of the first families of Virginia, although Tennessee was the home of his father's and mother's people for a number of years. His paternal grandfather, Andrew H. Halbert, was born in that State and became a planter, operating four hundred acres of land, and also raising horses and mules in large numbers. His home was on the turnpike between Gallatin and Cumberland. He farmed actively until his death, which occurred in 1889, when he was fourscore years old. He was a life long Democrat. Alfred Baird, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was likewise a Tennessee planter, but he died in middle age.

Joseph E. Halbert, the father of our subject, was born and reared on the old plantation and continued to reside in his native State until 1870. He then with his family went to Nashville and there took passage on a river boat for Booneville, Mo. He located in Benton County, buying one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he thoroughly improved and still occupies. He gives his attention to general farming. During the Civil War he served in the Confederate army three years. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church at his home, and holds the office of Deacon. His youngest child, a daughter, Capitola, is still with the parents, and the second, a son, Baxter S., is engaged in agriculture in Arkansas.

Dr. Halbert, who was ten years old when his parents removed to the West, continued to make his home in Missouri until he had grown to manhood. He prosecuted his studies in the public schools until he was sixteen years old, spending the intervals of study in the farm work which is usually done by lads of his age. He then entered the Warrensburg, Mo., Seminary, studied the higher branches for two years and also read medicine. In 1880 he entered the St. Louis medical College and a year later changed to the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Keokuk, Iowa. From the latter institution he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

The young physician at once located at Ft. Lyon, Mo., but after practicing there a year decided on a different field of labor. In January, 1883, he came to Salisbury, where by his studious habits, careful use of remedial agencies, and manifest interest in those who employ him, he has worked up a fine practice which gives him all that he can attend to within a radius of six miles. Financial success has resulted and he has made a wise investment of his means. Among other ways in which he has bestowed it having been to buy lots in Chicago.

The estimable lady who presides in the pleasant home of our subject became his wife January 25, 1885. Prior to that date she was known as Miss Jeanetta Miller. She is quite well known here, being a daughter of G. W. Miller, a retired gentleman who lives in the village, and having been born and reared within the township. One child, a son named Stanley, has come to bless the happy union of Dr. and Mrs. Halbert. The young couple are among the most intelligent members of society in Salisbury and have the happy faculty of being entertaining companions, thus giving them influence in whatever circles they frequent. Mrs. Halbert belongs to the Christian Church. Dr. Halbert casts a Democratic vote whenever election day comes round and at all times is ready to give a reason for the political faith that is in him. He belongs to the Brainard District Medical Society.