Brother Johann was born in the Saale River Valley in Thuringia. As a boy, Johann was an avid reader, borrowing many works from Herr von Schoenfeld, a neighbor. Johann's literary interests guided him to his work at the Abby of Fulda. There he met Brother Georg who taught Johann the art of preserving books. Through his education and time with Brother Georg, Johann decided to leave his Lutheran faith and join the Order of St. Benedict. Brother Johann later was directed to the Grantville Library where he met librarian Marietta Fielder.