Samuel J. Irey

Although almost three decades have passed since Samuel J. Irey was called to his final rest, he is still remembered by many of Cedar county’s older residents as a substantial and respected citizen who for a number of years successfully carried on agricultural pursuits in Springdale township. His birth occurred in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 18th of June, 1833, his parents being Jonah and Rebecca (Willis) Irey, who were Quakers. When five years of age Samuel J. Irey accompanied his parents on their removal to Jay county, Indiana, and there continued to reside until he came to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1862. He followed carpentering while a resident of the Hoosier state but took up agricultural pursuits after arriving in this county and remained an enterprising representative of farming interests here throughout the remainder of his life. His place originally embraced only forty acres but as his financial resources increased he extended its boundaries by additional purchase and at the time of his demise owned one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land in Springdale township. He was also one of the original directors of the State Bank at West Branch. His death, which occurred on the 15th of December, 1882, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle of friends here. In his father’s family there were six children, four sons and two daughters.

On the 17th of March, 1859, Mr. Irey was united in marriage to Miss Joanna Smith, who was born in Meigs county, Ohio, on the 5th of January, 1839, her parents being John and Rachel (Beeson) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. When five years of age she was taken to Indiana by her parents and in that state the mother passed away. In 1854 she came to Iowa with her father, who settled in Springdale township, Cedar county, and improved a farm. When advanced age necessitated his retirement John Smith sold the property and took up his abode at West Liberty. His family numbered seven children. Unto Samuel J. and Joanna (Smith) Irey were born the following children: Richard Smith, who died in infancy; Rachel, who resides in Springdale township and is the wife of William Erb, of whose household Mrs. Irey is a member; Eva, the wife of Theon Quier, of West Liberty; and Chester S., who resides on the old home farm in Springdale township.

Fifty-six years has passed since Mrs. Joanna Irey came to this country with her father and during that period she has witnessed a most wonderful transformation as pioneer conditions have given way before the onward march of civilization. There were no railroads at the time of her arrival here and Muscatine was the nearest market. During the first winter she saw a herd of twenty deer pass over the farm and Indians also visited the district quite frequently. She likewise remembers seeing John Brown pass by their home. She has a host of warm friends throughout the community, her many good traits of heart and mind having endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact.