Joseph Hiester completed his foundational education and early career by becoming a partner in a store in Reading. He demonstrated leadership during the American Revolutionary War, rising to the rank of colonel and participating in significant battles. Hiester contributed to the drafting of the Articles of Confederation and held various legislative positions in Pennsylvania and the United States. He exhibited a commitment to merit-based appointments throughout his career and served a single term as governor, overseeing the dedication of the first state capitol building in Harrisburg.

Joseph Hiester's political career reveals a commitment to merit-based governance, consistently appointing officials irrespective of party lines. His strategic alliances, such as supporting environmental regulations to protect regional industrial interests, showcase an ideologically agile approach. Hiester's rhetoric likely emphasized unity and stability, but his actions suggest a nuanced understanding of regional economic dynamics. His legacy, marked by a state capitol dedication and a university hall named in his honor, underscores a lasting impact on Pennsylvania's political landscape.