The James and Bridget Lidwell family of 13, which included Annie, immigrated from England. They came on the S.S. Friesland, from Liverpool, and arrived in Philadelphia on August 22, 1903. The ship manifest indicates that the family was intending to join James’ sister Mrs. J. [Heilman?] in Ashville, Pa. Annie was naturalized in 1915. Prior to her marriage, she lived in Ashville, Pa., as the 9th of James and Bridget Lidwell’s 15 children. James and at least six of his sons were coal miners.

By 1935, Earl lived in Johnstown, and also in Hornerstown, Pa. He was an employee of Bethlehem Steel Corp., where he worked as a steam crane operator.