Rudolph immigrated from Germany in 1865 or 1868, and became a naturalized citizen in 1876. He was a butcher, with a meat market located at 1810 Eighth Avenue in Altoona, Pa. He began the market there in about 1867. The family lived next door at 1808 Eighth Ave. for several decades.

In 1893, it was reported that he was sold some stolen cattle by a Mr. McGonigle of the area of Lilly, and an accomplice. McGonigle had managed to dispose of his fortune estimated at $80,000 and was reduced to theft. The cattle had been taken from a Mr. Gliebert, a farmer near Newry. Gliebert’s inquiries of local butchers led to the discovery, and Rudolph explained that two of the cattle were already killed and third animal had been resold to a Dr. Hartzell. McGonigle sold them to him for a paltry sum of $45. However, McGonigle was to return to the Farabaugh meat market to conclude arrangements for further sales. Gliebert then had a constable come at the appointed time, and McGonigle was taken into custody and handcuffed. McGonigle asked for water on the way down 11th Avenue and made a dash for liberty when unhanded. He was quickly recaptured however. The search for the accomplice was ongoing.