Schippert grew up in an upper-class environment, at the Zürichberg.
From 1622, Zurich maintained a system of beacons as a warning system, and signals from Schauenberg could be seen at Schnabel (Albis), Pfannenstiel, Tämbrig (above Hermatswil), Üetliberg, Lägern, Zürichberg, Mörsburg, Kyburg, Stammheimerberg and even Hohenklingen.