The Open Prairie Chapter was organized on November 30, 1940, and was one of the Iowa chapters presented to the National Society during its Golden Jubilee year. The chapter was named for the wide open spaces in which Cedar County is located. This was referred to as “Open Prairie,” and it commemorates the prairie in all its unspoiled beauty.

First Public High School West of the Mississippi Marker

On April 22, 1942, the Open Prairie Chapter dedicated a marker commemorating the first public high school west of the Mississippi River. The school was opened in 1856. The marker is located on the site of the Old Tipton Union School southeast of the Tipton Public Library. Iowa Governor George A. Wilson delivered the dedicatory address. State DAR officers were honored guests including State Regent Mrs. O.S. Von Krog.

1942 Dedication of the

Marker Commemorating First Public High School

West of the Mississippi

Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Cedar County

Charles Harry was born in Frederick County, Virginia, and died while visiting his son in Cedar County, Iowa, in 1843. He was first buried in the Old Tipton Cemetery but his remains were reinterred to the Masonic Cemetery. On November 26, 1946, the Open Prairie Chapter placed a marker at the entrance to the Tipton School (which at that time contained all grades). It was taken down in a school renovation and was lost until recently. The marker was then placed on a stone at our Soldiers' Monument location and rededicated.

Martin Linn was born around 1762.  Although not proved, it was believed that Mr. Linn was from New York state and served with George Washington at Valley Forge.  He came to Iowa Territory and was in Muscatine County a short time before moving to Cedar County.  Martin Linn died in 1844 and was buried at Old Tipton Cemetery.  His remains were reinterred to the present-day Masonic Cemetery in Tipton.

The Old Tipton Cemetery no longer exists.  All remains were reinterred to the Masonic Cemetery in Tipton so that a school could be erected on the Old Tipton Cemetery site.