Joseph was the youngest son of John Henry (aged 81 in 1917) and Frances Ann (aged 72 in 1917) Gofton, who lived at 66 Rothwell Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne.
He had three older sibling who lived at the same address: Henry Forster Gofton (aged 48 in 1917), Mary Dorothy Goften (aged 43 in 1917), and John Edward Gofton (aged 40 in 1917). Joseph's father, John Henry was a retired millwright born around 1836 in Houghton-Le-Spring, Durham, England. His mother, Frances Ann was born around 1845 in Newcastle All Saints, Northland.
Joseph's oldest brother, Henry Forster was born around 1869 in Newcastle, Northland. He was unmarried at the time of the 1911 census and was a marine engineer. Joseph's oldest sister, Mary Dorothy was born around 1874 in Stockton-On-Tees, Durham and was also unmarried at the time of the 1911 census. Joseph's other brother, John Edward was born around 1877 in Tynemouth, Northland. He was unmarried at the time of the 1911 census and was a journalist.
Joseph himself is listed as having been born in 'Tynemouth, Northland'. Like his siblings, he was unmarried at the 1911 census and he was an artist before enlisting. Joseph died on 10th February 1917 aged 37. Note that Joseph's surname is incorrectly spelt "Goften", on the memorial.