Joseph Bruff Seth was born on November 25, 1845, in Bay Hundred District of Talbot County, Maryland to Martha A.

[2] In 1860, Seth attended a boarding school, but returned home in 1861 due to the American Civil War and was tutored privately.

[4][6] In 1884, Seth was appointed by Governor Robert M. McLane as Judge Advocate General.

[2] In 1890, Seth was appointed as Commander of the State Fishery Force and held that position until July 1903.

[2] Seth organized and served as the first president of the Baltimore and Eastern Shore Railway.

[7] In 1890, Seth joined a group that organized an electric light plant in Annapolis.

[7] In 1881, Seth purchased the Bromwell farm in Oxford Neck, Talbot County.