Joseph "Joe" Sugden was the son of Orton Sugden and the husband of Margaret Sugden. Joseph planned to immigrate to Australia with his father Orton in 1908, but when Orton died on the boat, Joseph decided to return to Beckindale. He was forced to run Emmerdale Farm and lead a rather depressing life, even after marrying Margaret. Joseph was a violent man and believed that he could control Margaret as he was stronger than her. Joseph discovered from Ava Bainbridge in 1914 that Margaret had been having an affair with Ralph Verney and attacking her. Margaret's dog Toby attacked Joseph to defend Margaret but Joseph shot him dead, and Margaret refused to forgive him. Joseph ended up beating Margaret unconscious.
In May 1915, Jacob returned on embarkment leave, following months of no contact with Maggie. Joe tried to force himself on Maggie, who fought back, but Joe pinned her to the ground and raped her. He left the next morning, and Maggie discovered she was pregnant. She gave birth to a son, Jacob Sugden, in January 1916. Later in the war, Joe was near a bomb when it exploded. He was left with serious permanent injuries; half face unable to be repaired properly.
In 1919, Margaret also gave birth to a son, Edward Sugden. Tragedy struck for the family when Edward was killed during World War II in 1941. Joseph later died in 1963.