A native of Belgium, Kuppens came to the United States in 1857 and entered the Jesuit novitiate at Florissant, Missouri. He was ordained a priest in 1863 and was assigned to St. Peter Mission in Montana. During his time there he explored the area that is now Yellowstone National Park. After working in Indians missions and parishes throughout the Midwest he retired to Florissant.
* Yellowstone National Park History