In the 1900 Census, Joseph is listed as the 26 year old son working as a flagman for the Pennsylvania Railroad, living with his parents August and Susan on 6th Avenue in Altoona, Pa. In 1910, he is working at a shop, living on 6th Avenue with his wife Gertrude and mother Susan. In 1910, Joseph is a machinist with the steam railroad, living with Gertrude on 6th Avenue, and his mother Susan living next door. In 1930 and 1940, Joseph is a parochial school janitor, and he and Gertrude are living alone at their residence on 6th Avenue. At the time of his death, he was a janitor at Sacred Heart Church, Altoona.

Following the early death of her mother Mary, Gertrude was raised by the family of her uncle John Wertzberger and assumed their surname. In 1900, Gertrude “Wertzberger” was living with the family and was working as a twister at a silk mill in Altoona, Pa. Her wedding to Joseph Greiner took place just before the wedding of her adopted first cousin, Elizabeth C. Wertzberger.