By Lillie Kappus

The history of the family, the coat of arms, Descendants of John Kappus and Mary Ann Hiltman of Prussia and the United States. John was born in Schwarzburg Sonders Hausen, in 1804. They had meager living supplies, their farm land was outside the compound . they took their animals and geese to to graze and feed, and then back to the compund at night to protect them from thieves. Taxes were paid to the Czar by a percentage of grain grown. All boys age 18 were taken from their parents to serve in the military. John and Mary had three sons. They didn't want them going into the military so they came to America. Before leaving they had to sign a paper promising to send their boys back to the military when they reached age eighteen. They came to America in 1854. John was a tailor and musician. They had five more children. They lived several places, and settled in Missouri.

(110p., Illus, Index, 1987)