Joseph was born in Manchester but, by the time of the 1901 Census, was living in Stockport, with his wife Agnes, at 39 Great Egerton Street. He worked as a labourer.

The Garrison Battalion was formed in August 1915, mainly of men too old for active service in trenches. It was sent to Gibralter where, shortly after arrival, one of Joseph's mates, Private J Little, wrote to the Cheshire Daily Echo, asking if someone could donate a "Melodeon" (a type of accordion) to the Stockport lads. Private Little went on to mention several, including Joseph, saying that they "all want to know how (Stockport) County went on with the (Manchester) City at football."

Normal League football matches were suspended for the duration of the War, but matches continued to be played in the War League. Stockport County has confirmed the match that the men were interested in took place on 4 September 1915. City won 3 - 1.

Joseph died of natural causes.