The handsome, eagle-hearted Joseph was named in honor of his father. Joe has little memory of his beloved mother, she died in a horse riding accident. Little Joe received his nickname because compared to his brother, Hoss, he was little. Even as he grew up, the nickname stuck, and Hoss remained taller and larger than Joe. Joe enjoyed playing checkers and poker; he also made bets that ended up with hilarious results. Joe was the romantic one in the family and was always eager to meet women.