He bought 76 Acres of land from his father on 17 Jan 1808 for $400 to be paid in installments. The deed stated that he was 21 or older and could not sell it while Tunis was living. Tunis' will gave him full title to the land without finishing the payments the following year. It was deeded to him on the 31st of August 1811.
He doesn't seem to be listed separately in the 1810 census, and there is a male older than 26 living with his step-mother, which is likely him, since he didn't get the deed to his land until 1811. On 17 Aug 1813 he and his wife, Deborah sold the land to Thomas McKee for $685.80.
1820 census: male 2<10, 1=10-16, 1=26-45 fem 2<10, 1=10-16, 1=26-45
In 1830 he is listed on the same page with James and Samuel Scarborough, Adam Laughlin, and Joseph Shaw, along with Pattersons and Chalfants. 1830 census: male 2<5, 1=10-15, 1=15-20, 1=50-60 fem 1<5, 1=5-10, 1=10-15, 1=15-20, 1=30-40
In 1840 he is listed near Adam and Robert Laughlin, and Henry Grimes with the following data: male 2=10-15, 1=20-30, 1=50-60 fem 1<5, 2=5-10, 1=15-20, 1=40-50.
He was elected an elder of the Little Redstone Church when it was reorganized in 1844. (The original church received preaching from pastors of Dunlap's Creek Church, but the members were transferred to Brownsville Church during the term of pastor Rev. William Johnston.) A brick church was built in 1845, about a half mile north of the old location. Joseph was also an elder of the earlier church which is supposed to have been organized in 1797.
Still in Fayette Co in 1850 as a farmer (70) with $4,000 of land. Living at home were Margaret, Amy Ann & Sarah A. A George Morgan (12) was living with them.
Wrote his will 9 Dec 1851 saying that Debra could have the real estate during her lifetime, and that it was to be sold and the proceeds divided equally among his 9 children (to wit - Griffith, William, John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Letitia Anne, Amy Anne, Margaret Maria, and Sarah Anne Jane). The balance of his estate to be split between sons William J. and John M., except for furnishings to be provided for Amy Anne, Margaret Marie, and Sarah Anne Jane. His Tombstone in the Little Redstone Presbyterian churchyard gives date of death as 9 Oct 1853 and age 73 yrs, 10 mos, 22 days. The will was recorded 22 Oct 1853.