Marcy, I don't know how much of your intended research has already been done, or how much remains. Why don't you take a look at: ===== SSD: INPUT QUERY PAGE http://iseli.simplenet.com/ch-names/ ===== Then perhaps you could get back to us with specific areas in which you have an interest, and about which you would like to know more. Such as: 1) finding the ancestor's hometown in Switzerland. 2) finding out if the parish and civil records have been filmed. And if yes, where can I view/copy those records 3) identifying the canton in which the hometown is situated 4) finding a FREE online translation service 5) writing to the state (cantonal) archives 6) writing to the civil registrar of the hometown where citizenship is maintained 7) obtaining a bare-bones outline of the requirements of the new Swiss Civil Registration Ordinance which now governs access to records in Swiss archives 8) obtaining the total number of residents of the same hometown who have the same surname as the ancestor(s) you are researching 9) contacting others who are interested in the same surnames 10) getting a list of helpful online websites If any of the above have already been done, please put "Done!" after them. And indicate which of the above areas you have an interest in by stating: "I am interested in 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8." or something like that. If we can help you in any way, it would be useful (as in "necessary") for us to know if you are just starting your research, or if you've gone pretty far with it but have come up against a brick wall. And tell us the surname of the main ancestor(s) you are interested in including maiden names of wives (important), and dates of birth, marriage and/or death. (Can't tell you who to write to, unless the approximate dates are known.) Pete Mattli Ft. Myers, FL SSD Admin > ---------- Subj: [SWITZ] SCHLAPPI family - Canton of Bern, Switzerland > OH (USA) Date: 01/19/2000 3:19:00 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Firelook2@aol.com To: SWITZERLAND-L@rootsweb.com Hello, I am looking for information on Christian SCHLAPPI b.abt 1800 in Switzerland. The family was from the Canton of Bern, Switerland. My husband is a descendant of this family through Christian's son, John SCHLAPPI and wife, Harriet WILLIAMS. Thanks for any help or suggestions. ....Marcy Ugstad Coos Bay, Oregon