Joseph and brother Matthias founded J & M Rossmeissl, dealers in boots and shoes. This became the largest retail establishment of its kind north of Milwaukee.
The brothers and some of their descendants were also involved in the George Walter Brewing Company. Ancilla Rossmeissl, daughter of Matthias and Barbara, married Edgar Walter and lived at 523 W. Eighth St. next door to her parents who built a home at 517-519 W. Eighth St. Joseph had five sons and built and furnished a home for each of them when they married. At least five Rossmeissl homes once stood on Eighth St. Only 517-519 W. Eighth St. survives.
