"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." (Biographical & Historical Record of the Samuel Schlappi Family, by Samuel O. Schlappi (Dec 1890).