From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Tipton, Nathan
(born: 1846) Nathan Tipton had the distinction of being one of the few African American telegraph repairmen in Kentucky. Telegraph repairmen duties included keeping the lines in working order by making frequent inspections and all necessary repairs.Nathan and his wife Susan and their two children, Clarence (1873-1927) and Julia, lived in Louisville in 1880 [source: U.S. Federal Census]. Nathan was born in Montgomery County, KY; he may have also gone by the name Matthew, according to his military service record. He was 19-years-old when he enlisted at Camp Nelson on September 13, 1864 for three years of service, during which he served with Company E, 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry. The company was mustered out March 16, 1866.
Tipton was listed as a farmhand in Montgomery County in the 1870 Census. By 1900, Susan Tipton was listed as a widow whose occupation was given as "laundress" in the census records.