|
|
|
Tipton FordMany places are named for some natural characteristic. Tipton Ford, a small settlement in central Newton County, was named for a safe fording (crossing) spot on Shoal Creek. This place where men, horses and wagons could ford the creek was on property owned by James W. Tipton. Thus came the name Tipton Ford. As the popularity of the ford spread, enterprises sprang up nearby and eventually a section of the Kansas City, Fort Smith and Southern Railroad came past the community. The railroad, owned by Mathias Splitlog, was a short line which brought coal to the nearby mining towns and took ore out of these same towns. The rail line also carried some passengers and hauled strawberries during strawberry season. Unfortunately, the history of Tipton Ford is dominated by a great tragedy. On August 5, 1914, a special gasoline/electric passenger "car train" ran head-on into a Kansas City Southern freight train at Tipton Ford, creating a wreck and fire that killed 52 people. Many of the dead were members of Neosho's Black community who were returning home after celebrating Emancipation Day in Joplin. A massive community funeral was held on the Newton County Courthouse lawn with rows of black and white caskets. A marker listing those who were killed stands at the entrance of the I. O. O. F. Cemetery in Neosho. Only one business remains at Tipton Ford, but along that stretch of Shoal Creek, several modern campgrounds invite campers, fishermen, swimmers and boaters to congregate at the place which has served Newton County residents and visitors for many decades. |
