I'm researching a Joel or Joseph Halbert or Holbert family located in Essex County, Virginia by using census records. He is listed on the 1840 census under JOEL Holbert with wife Elizabeth and 3 children, then on the 1860 census in Essex, VA as JOSEPH Halbert with wife Elizabeth and 3 children. On the 1870 census he is again listed as JOEL Halbert with wife Betsy and 3 children, and on the 1880 census as JOEL Holbert with wife Betsy and 2 children. Any idea who his parents are? I can't find him on any family trees or on any message boards. Thanks for any info!
--Roma