Freeman-Tipton Cemetery
2015
Two burial grounds have been located on what was the 50 acre “Mitchell Tract” (a term used in several deeds). One is discussed at this entry and is on property that was owned by Freemans/Tiptons. The other, on a hill to the east, would fall on the Howren lot and has a separate entry. No evidence has been found to indicate any Freemans or Tiptons were buried at that location.
The Freeman-Tipton burial ground only appears on one map and is noted as “2-D”. The location on the map is a bit to the east of the actual location. It is not visible from Highway 81 and is actually about ½ mile west of the highway.
It is unknown who may have precisely established this burial ground. Information from a descendant of the Freeman and Tipton families had indicated the location and one other longtime local resident physically pointed it out. It is also unknown if there are other Freeman-Tipton burials elsewhere on the properties they once owned.
Minor grading has been done in the area, not enough to disturb graves, but enough to remove previously known fieldstone markers and depressions. Because of this grading, an accurate grave count cannot be made.
Much is still to be learned about this small community. Other than these two, it is unknown whether or not more graves/burial grounds exist within the area known as Kansas City. The area is remote and evidence of the old houses is long gone.
LOCATION – In the historic Kansas City community in Embreeville. Situated on the northeast corner of Washington County tax parcel 090-068.00
GPS Location: +36° 11.645, -82° 28.095
Freeman-Tipton Cemetery Map
DEEDS –This deed recap is presented only with respect to the burial ground and not meant to be a history of either the Kansas City community or the Freeman/Tipton families.
A 50 acre parcel, known as the “Mitchell Tract” (term used in several deeds) was conveyed to Conrad Keicher in 1854 (Deed Book 34, Page 241). Prior deeds and/or how the name Mitchell Tract was established has not been determined. The branch that flows there is known as Mitchell Branch.
In 1855, the parcel passed to Irenius Keicher (Deed Book 35, Page 153). In 1873, the eastern 1/3 (about 15 acres) passed from Irenius Keicher to Robert Howren (Deed Book 47, Page 89) and in 1875, the western 2/3 (29 acres) passed to A.A. & F.J. Taylor (Deed Book 58, Page 259). In 1891, the 29 acres passed on to K. N. (Kansas Nebraska) Henley (Deed Book 63, Page 591). In 1895, a clarification of boundaries among several property owners, including Howren and Henley, was made with the Embreeville Iron Company (Deed Book 70, Page 457).
In 1905, K. N. Henley sold two substantial parcels of his 29 acres. A few smaller parcels were sold off, as well. It is unproven, but thought that perhaps the term “Kansas City” was coined at this timeframe, as K. N. Henley was subdividing his tract. One larger parcel was sold in 1905 to Fletcher Lyons (Deed Book 181, Page 51). This deed was not recorded until 1929. Another parcel was sold in 1905 to George Alfred Freeman (Deed Book 111, Page 29).
Fletcher Lyons was a man of color, and other than living in Kansas City, does not appear to have any connection to burials in this area.
The Freemans and Tiptons were clearly related. Several other deeds were reviewed, many for small parcels with living quarters. These deeds will not be covered here, however, the connection between the Freeman and Tipton families appears solid, including many individuals and creating a tight-knit community.
CENSUS –Partial listing by household – primary families living in the Kansas City community. It appears that Freemans and Tiptons may have been living in that area before property records indicate. A much more thorough study of this community would be needed to determine this.
Households in 1940 – Freeman, Frank & Maggie; Tipton, Oscar.
Households in 1930 – Tipton, George & Stella [Howren]; Howren, Ada; Riddle, Mary; Freeman, Frank & Mary.
Households in 1920 – Lyons, Fletcher; Tipton, Chas; Riddle, Cleveland & Mary; Tipton, Alice; Tipton, Sank; Freeman, Frank.
Households in 1910 – Orten, Robert; Howren, Addie; Freeman, Matilda; Freeman, Geo A & Alice; Lyons, Fletcher; Tipton, Wm & Alice.
BURIALS –Two death certificates have been found with “Tipton” as the burial location. These two individuals were clearly part of the subject families.
William Tipton, aged 62 and died 17 Sept 1919, was the son of Sank Tipton Sr and his wife, Patsy. (TN DC 457).
Woodard Tipton, born 29 March 1925 and died 6 August 1926, was the son of Sank Tipton Jr and his wife Ethel (nee Freeman). (TN DC 20887).
Several other death certificates were found for these families, but no place of burial was noted. From descendant information, it is believed that there are not many burials here.
Researched, surveyed, transcribed, and donated to the Washington County TNGen Web September 2015 by Gordon M. Edwards, member of the Cemetery Survey Team of Northeast Tennessee.
Copyrighted 2015 by the Cemetery Survey Team of Northeast Tennessee. No part of this work may be copied without written permission from the Cemetery Survey Team.