Joseph was born at possibly 'Main's Land', Inverkip on 25th January 1895. His parents were Joseph, a surfaceman on the Caledonian Railway and born in Ireland, and his mother was Mary (May) m/s Conway. He was Baptised in March 1885 by Rev Alexander McQuisten. His father's occupation at this time is recorded as a 'carter'.

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In 1901, the family were living in Main Street, Inverkip, although the address is unclear on the census. Joseph snr's occupation is recorded as a 'drainer'.

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In 1911, Joseph was living with his parents, five siblings, three brothers-in-law and two nieces at Goatfoot near the Inverkip Hotel. Joseph worked as a forester, likely to be at the Ardgowan Estate and two of the brothers-in-law were also surfaceman on the railway.

Joseph enlisted for service in Greenock and served in the 7th Battalion of the Cameron Highlanders. He was killed in France and is commemorated on the Loos Memorial and the Inverkip War Memorial.