Paul KUPFER [1842-1881]

Paul Kupfer was the Kapitän zur See of Freya. His grave is also included in Patricia Lim's book and its location is in Section 8. According to Hong Kong Telegraph, his funeral procession was descibed to be 'the largest and most imposing service spectacle witnessed in Hongkong since the funeral of the late Lieutanant O'Geran of the 80th regiment in November, 1874' [1]. Flags at the German Consulate, German companies and vessles were at half-mast. [2] 'Nearly the whole of the German residents in the colony' were present at the procession. [3]

From Lim's books and Hong Kong Telegraph, it is mentioned that Kupfer's father was the Oberburgomaster (German: Oberbürgermeister) of Berlin. However, we cannot find any Oberbürgermeister who bore this family name. We are keen on knowing more information about Kupfer, his descendants and contacts.

[1] Hong Kong Telegraph 20 June 1881, page 2 'Local and General'. Available via Hong Kong Public Libraries MMIS Old Newspaper Collection.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.