Joseph Lyman Sutherland was born September 11, 1839 in Scotland. He came to the U.S. in 1841 with his parents, David Sutherland and Jane (Menzies) Sutherland; sisters, Jeanette and Mary; and brothers, Henry, Robert and David. They arrived in New York on the "Stephen Whitney" April 18, 1841. Joseph's brother, Orson Pratt, was born October 8, 1841 in New York.

Sutherlands were members of the Latter Day Saints in Edinburgh, Scotland and were drawn to the U.S. by tales from prophets. From New York, the Sutherland family headed to Texas in covered wagons to join Lyman Wight's group that had split from the leadership of Brigham Young. The colony searched for homes in several counties in Texas before settling on the Medina River across from the village of Bandera in March, 1854.

On January 2, 1860 Joseph married Emma Ardosca Minear in Bandera, Texas. Children born to Joseph and Emma were Henry William, Joseph David 'Hosea', Emma Jane, Ellis Robert, Lydia Malinda, John Ezra, Helen Virginia, Marinda Marion Armenia 'Minnie', Jeanette Armizinda 'Jeanette Dolores', George Thomas and Maude Iona Sophia.

Joseph served in the Texas Rangers and was 3rd Corporal with Captain Bladen Mitchell's Company for Bandera County, 3rd Frontier District and General J. D. McAdoo Commanding State Troops. He also served as Deputy Sheriff of Bandera County during the terms of Sheriff T. C. Rhine, 1866-1874.

Joseph and Emma left Texas and lived for a time on the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and Joseph died there.

"The Saints Herald," V. 43 lists his death as follows: Sutherland--Bro. Joseph L. Sutherland departed this life December 21, 1895 and was laid away the following day in the presence of family and many friends, to await the master's call in the morn of the first resurrection. Funeral sermon at the Union Church, in Maysville, Arkansas, January 5, by Elders T. J. Sheppard and S. W. Simmons, to a fair-sized and very attentive congregation. Wife, four sons and four daughters mourn.

The location of his grave is not known. It is believed he died in Oklahoma since they were on the Cherokee Nation. The state line between Oklahoma and Arkansas runs through the middle of the town, Maysville. Maysville is where they got their mail and apparently attended church.

Joseph's information is taken from the Stephen Whitney passenger list, family records, marriage license and death notice.