Joseph Kaighin was born illegitimate to Margaret Christory and an unknown Kaighin and was christened 20 April 1873 in Jurby. Joseph, his mother and an aunt resided at Ballaquane, Andreas and can be found there in the 1881, 1891 and 1901 censuses where Joseph was employed as a Joiner. Joseph married Frances Emily Mylrea 13 February 1904 in Andreas. Frances was buried three days later; this was likely a deathbed marriage - and of course no children.

Joseph next married Edith Mary Lancaster 14 July 1906 in Jurby. Sometime between then and Joseph's death in 1940, the couple moved to Blackpool. His death is recorded in the June quarter of 1940. Edith's death was recorded in the September quarter of 1947, also in Blackpool. This marriage also produced no children.