The family lived close to the gold workings of The Woolshed Valley and Joe got to know the
        Chinese well, even learning the language.    

In 1879 Police reports mention Chinese names said to be assisting the gang, these Chinamen lived in Sebastapol, Woolshed Valley. It is believed that Joe's involvement with the Chinese miners gave him the skills to mine the gold fields at Bullock's Creek with other friends of the Kelly's.

Joe was Ned Kelly's second in command and worked with Ned on the strategies planned by the gang.

Joe was said to have been heavily involved in the creation of the famous armour, however he was later said to have doubted its effectiveness and would be proved correct.

Joe penned the Jerilderie letter with Ned Kelly and worked on the other letters such as the Cameron one.