The Marion-Linn Chapter DAR was organized April, 18, 1928. Mary
Hollingsworth was Organizing Regent, Regent and later Honorary
Regent. The Chapter was named in honor of two famous men, General
Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War Hero, "The Swamp Fox", and Dr.
Louis Linn, a beloved pioneer doctor.
The following officers were appointed by the Regent:
- Vice Regent: Miss Daniels
- Recording Secretary: Nellie Lothian
- Corresponding Secretary: Bertha Owen
- Treasurer: Alberta K. Sigfred
- Historian: Anna Hewitt
- Registrar: Mary L. Parkurst
- Chaplain: Ida G. Bowman
- Pres Correspondent: Grace Christie Koppenhaver
The Marion-Linn Chapter was the first chapter
to donate to the Iowa Room in Memorial Continental Hall in
Washington D.C.
In 1988, when the Francis Shaw Chapter in Anamosa, Iowa,
disbanded, many of the members joined the Marion-Linn Chapter.
The following is a history of the Francis Shaw Chapter.
The Francis Shaw Chapter, DAR was organized in October 1899 and
was one of the first chapters west of the Mississippi River. Through
the efforts of Helen L. Shaw and other ladies whom she inspired with
her enthusiasm an active group was formed. At the first meeting, the
chapter name of "Francis Shaw" was selected.
The Shaws were prominent in the early history of the Colonies
during the Revolution. Francis Shaw Sr. received a large parcel of
land near Gouldboro, Maine. His son Francis Shaw Jr., resided most
of the time in Boston and during the Revolutionary War was active in
securing the help of the Indians for the Colonies. He rose from the
rank of Captain to Major and finally to Colonel.
The Chapter organized with a membership of 27 with Miss Shaw
elected Regent, an office she held for seven years. For a short time
the chapter was a social and literary organization, but in 1900 an
opportunity to work for a worthy project appealed to every member.
Largely through the fundraising efforts of the Francis Shaw DAR
Chapter, the Anamosa Public Library was built. The total cost of the
building was $11,000.00 and was opened to the public on August 1,
1903.
The building today is used as the local Police station.
