John emigrated from Antwerp, Belgium, and in 1901 settled in Coalport, Pa. He was a coal miner and became a naturalized citizen in 1914.

Bertha immigrated from Bruch, Germany, arriving on August 10, 1903, in New York City on the vessel SS Finland, which embarked from Antwerp. She arrived with $12 1/2 and her seven children, destined to join her husband Johann Nawrath in Rosebud [aka Coalport], Pa.

The 1920 Census indicates that Bertha was living in Akron, Ohio. Her status was listed as married but the only other household resident was her son Paul. It further indicates she immigrated in 1903 and was naturalized in 1912.