My Genealogy Hound

Joseph Y. Shults was born in Henry County, Mo., in 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Young) Shults, who were born in Kentucky and Missouri in 1802 and 1808, and died in 1867 and 1848, respectively, the former’s death occurring in the State of Arkansas. He was of Dutch descent, a farmer by occupation, and came to Missouri when about seventeen years of age. Joseph Y. Shults, when four years of age, was left without a mother to care for him. He continued to make his home with his father until about sixteen years of age, when he began the battle of life for himself, working on a farm, and received $8 per month for his services. He continued to follow agricultural pursuits until 1863, when he enlisted in Company A, Eleventh Regiment Missouri Cavalry, United States Army, and served until June 5, 1865, when he received his discharge. He then returned to Dent County, Mo., and August 7, 1867, was united in marriage to Miss America Nelson, who was born in Dent County, Mo., February 2, 1848, by whom he became the father of eleven children, all living: Reuben O., Emma E., Henry J., Joseph M., Elisha M., Lewis A., Mary L., Walter C., Effie M., Spurgeon R. and Haden L. Mr. Shults has resided on his present farm of 253 acres ever since his marriage, and has about 100 acres of his farm under cultivation, on which are a good orchard, a residence and out-buildings. He is an enterprising citizen of the county, and what education he has was acquired in Dent County in the primitive log school-house of early times. He is a member of the County Wheel, and in his political views is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.