Joseph Newell was born in Yorkshire, England, in May 1864. He was the son of Thomas Newell and Mary Jane Robinson. Mary Jane Robinson was born in Hull, Yorkshire, England, and the family probably lived there before immigrating to Pennsylvania around 1869. By about 1875 the Newell family had relocated to Streator, Illinois. Joseph met Malinda Hoffman, born in Ohio, and they were married 6 November 1884.

La Salle County marriage license issued to Joseph Newell and Malinda Hoffman

Joseph and Malinda had at least six children, three boys and three girls. Joseph worked as gardener and Malinda was a homemaker. Around 1901 the family moved to Peoria, Illinois. Joseph died on 9 October 1905 at age 41 in Peoria. He was buried back in Streator at the Riverview-Streator Cemetery.

Obituary for Joseph Newell in the Ottawa Fairdealer dated 13 October 1905