Samuel Schlappi family biography, Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, Michigan ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ SUBJECT: SAMUEL SCHLAPPI FAMILY BIOGRAPHY SUBMITTER: Linda C. Driscoll EMAIL: lcdris@burgoyne.com DATE: Apr 13, 1999 SURNAMES: SCHLAPPI, ZIMMERMAN [Samuel SCHLAPPI (1817-1900) Mary ZIMMERMAN (1822-1902) both buried in Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids] BIOGRAPHICAL & HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE SAMUEL SCHLAPPI FAMILY Presented to my Parents Christmas, 1890 S. O. Schlappi SAMUEL SCHLAPPI, the subject of this sketch, was born in the Canton of Bern, Republic of Switzerland, Jun 4-1817. His parents were in easy circumstances financially, having owned a small tract of land which was well stocked with cattle and goats the proceeds of which brought a very comfortable income. Like most people of this country, the parents were possessed of a strong and vigorous constitution, the son inheriting these qualities in a marked degree. He succeeded in obtaining a good education, by having experienced teachers, and a perfect school system, in his native country. Vocal music was one of the branches taught in the school which he attended, and one in which he became very proficient, having a marked talent for this science. He secured a vast amount of general information, by his constant habit of reading, and close observation. In the year 1834, the parents determined to remove to America with the entire family, which consisted of three sons, and two daughters; Samuel, being the next to the youngest, in the family. Accordingly, after a stormy passage in a sail boat, which continued four weeks, they landed in the harbor of New York. Being anxious to secure land at government prices they departed from thence to Delta,-Fulton Co.- Ohio; which at that time was almost an unbroken wilderness. By industry and perseverance on the part of the family, the forest soon became subdued and the farm became a very productive one. After the death of the father [CHRISTIAN] in the year 1856 the children each inherited a small tract of land; Samuel purchasing a share from one of the other heirs. In the year 1840, he married MISS MARY ZIMMERMAN of Delta Ohio, who was ever a companion and helpmeet in prosperity and adversity. They became the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are now living. In the year 1864 having sold his farm in Fulton Co.-Ohio, he, with the family, removed to Barry Co. Mich., where he purchased a comparatively new farm of 160 acres, where by exercising the same industry that had been exercised on the farm in Ohio, it became a model one; and when offered for sale in the year 1881, it readily sold at very advantageous figures. From there he removed to Eaton Rapids-Mich., where he purchase a small farm, pleasantly situated in the suburbs of the town, in the year 1882, where he has since resided, with the exception of a years sojourn in Kansas, during the year 1886. During the year 1837 he became a convert to the doctrine as taught by the United Brethren Church, and was ever after a faithful member of the same; attending services regularly and contributing liberally to its support; Having been one of the prime movers, and contributors in the erection of several houses of worship, one of which now bears his name. Being possessed of a strong will, and perseverance in an unusual degree, he knew no such word as failure in any of his undertakings. He was ever a promoter of morals in mankind, and a practical example of the same; encouraging the good within those with whom he came in contact, and discouraging the evil. And while enjoying the fruits of his labor under his own “Vine and Fig Tree” he can look back with satisfaction upon a useful and well spent life. *** MISS MARY ZIMMERMAN was born in Laurel Hill, Somerset Co.- Penn., March 4-1822. Her father [JOHN] was rightful heir to a portion of a comfortable estate, but owing to some technicality in the will he never came into possession of it; and was consequently obliged to commence at the bottom round of the ladder in order to secure a competency for himself and family. In the year 1828 he removed with his family to Delta- Fulton Co. - Ohio where he became one of the pioneers of that locality. Having purchased a wooded tract of land, he with the family removed upon it, and soon succeeded in making it a tillable and very desirable farm where he resided until his death which occurred in the year 1879. He was a member of the Evangelical Association, his daughter Mary becoming a convert to the same doctrine remaining a faithful member until her marriage with Samuel Schlappi in the year 1840, when she adopted th church of his faith; viz.; United Brethren. As a Christian, her life is worthy of emulation; Being a constant and faithful worker in the cause, clinging to her faith through “evil as well as good report.” As a mother, she has been faithful to her charge, as her life has been devoted to the best interests of her family, and has been one of continual self denial in their behalf. No words can describe her forbearance and kind disposition. She has ever attempted to inspire her children with principles of virtue, morality and Christianity. At present writing, she with her husband are residing at their home in Eaton Rapids - Mich., where she derives a great deal of comfort by communications and visits from her children who are residing in various States and territories.