Joseph was married to Eliza Postlewaite, but upon his death, another woman came forward claiming to be Joseph's wife. Annie Papin was the daughter of Joseph L. Papin. She was also related to the Chouteaus, the founding family of St. Louis. Annie said that she was Joseph's legal wife, but had been separated for some time. Annie was also known as Annie Jones, having taken her mother's maiden name after her parents divorced. Annie said that she and Joseph had been married on May 5, 1871, by Justice Young. They lived in Laclede, Missouri just outside of St. Louis. People who knew the couple in Laclede said that Joseph acknowledged Annie as his wife, as well as two children as his own. Annie appeared on the Postlewaite's doorstep after reading of Joseph's death in the newspaper. She had two young children with her and said she had brought them to pay respects to their father.
