Looking for the Family of Frank OR Francis Berst of Iowa and OR Alasac Lorraine

Some of the surnames I've encountered so far are schott, ott, Sattler and Pierce. I believe that Frank Berst worked for the railroad and this is what brought them to the states (in 1888). I cannot find a ship manifest or any info before 1888. Francis Xavier Berst was born and married in Alasac-Lorraine.
Rhonda