John Tipton

John Washburn Tipton (December 13, 1840 - February 12, 1919) served as a corporal in Company H, 13th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry.

Personal life
John Tipton was born December 13, 1840 in Carter County, Tennessee to Samuel and Nancy (Lacey) Tipton. He married Amanda Jane Bowers (1846-1923) with whom he had nine children. Tipton's father served with the 11th Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry and his great-grandfather, Samuel Tipton, was a veteran of the American Revolution and donor of the land which became Elizabethton (first known as Tiptonville).

Civil War service
Tipton enlisted as a private in Company H on September 24, 1863 in Carter County for a period of three years and mustered in October 28, 1863 at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. He was appointed corporal on October 20, 1863 by order of Colonel Miller.

He is described as 23 years old, 5' 6" tall, dark complexion, dark eyes, dark hair, and by occupation a farmer.

Tipton is listed as present for duty until March 28, 1864 when he was absent on recruiting duty until June 1864. On July 31, 1864, Tipton was discharged so that he could accept a commission as 1st lieutenant, Company H, 4th Tennessee Volunteer Infantry beginning August 1, 1864.

When the regiment mustered out on September 5, 1865 at Knoxville it was noted that he had been paid to August 31, 1864 and had received a $25 bounty.

Post-war life
Tipton was a tax collector in Carter County for two years and was storekeeper in the Internal Revenue Office in Tennessee from 1874 to 1875.

He moved to a farm near Burlington, Kansas in 1879 and the following year he moved to Emporia, Kansas where he was employed as a stone and cement contractor for the Santa Fe Railroad and for the city. He and his eldest son, David, built a large portion of the water and sewer system in Emporia. Additionally he served as a city councilman and "two or three terms" as street commissioner. Tipton was an active member of of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and William S. Hancock Post No. 464, Grand Army of the Republic, having filled nearly every office, including post commander.

Tipton applied for an invalid's pension on March 19, 1879. He died died February 12, 1919 in Emporia and is buried there at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery. His wife applied for a widow's pension on February 17, 1919.