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Origin of the name: Kipfer refers to a person who came from Kipf. In the Canton of Bern, near Burgdorf, in the parish of Heimiswil, there is said to be a farm by the name of Kipf. There is also a small possibility that it comes from the word for copper: kupfer.
Besides this Sumiswald branch there is also a branch of Kipfers from Lutzelfluh and Langnau. There is very little left of the Sumiswald branch in Europe because most had immigrated to Canada. When they did they maintained citizenship rights at Sumiswald although the immigrants were not born there nor did they reside there. Vital records were sent there to retain the right to return and welfare in case of need.
Hans Peter Küpfer: It is taken for granted that all the Kuepfers/Kipfers who came to Canada were of Hans's family. It is believed they came to Ontario in several different migrations, and as they worked and earned money, they would send it to Switzerland to help bring over more of the family.[SolomonGNancyNKipfer.FTW]
~Diane Kipfer Beller