Joseph was born in Walsall, Staffordshire, the eldest surviving son of the six children of Harry (a slater) and Mary Keatley of 87 Burrowes Street, Walsall. Joseph followed in his father’s footsteps and became a slater after leaving school. He married Alice Day at St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Walsall on 9th December 1908. They lived at 2 House, 2 Court, Long Acre Street, Walsall. They had three children, although only their daughter, Alice Laura survived childhood.

Joseph was determined to serve in the Army following the outbreak of war and despite being rejected three times he was undeterred and went to Wednesbury where he was finally accepted on 9th September 1914.

He was sent to France with the 8th South Staffordshire Regiment on 14th July 1915 and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during the closing stages of the Battle of the Somme. The award was gazetted on 11th October 1916 and mentioned in the Walsall Observer on 9th December 1916.

Joseph was killed by British shell fire a month after receiving his award. He was 31 years old.