He was born in WV and lived in Fayette County WV where he died in 1932. He was married to Nancy Adkins and they had 9 children. His mother is Mary Avis and it is unknown if this is her maiden or married name. She is believed to be a native American kidnapped from out west. She died and was buried in Fayette County WV. Joseph's father is believed to be Avis Maroney (spelling of last name may be incorrect) - through family stories only - and he changed his name to Avis to avoid Irish discrimination. On a census Mary claims to be a widow and had 4 living children, but no records can be found on any.