George C. Durey is a worthy representative of one of the old and prominent pioneer families of Delaware county, for they have lived here from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time. He now owns a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 34, Coffins Grove township, which returns to him a good income each year, but since 1910 he has lived retired in Manchester. Mr. Durey is a native son of Delaware county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Prairie township, January 20, 1866. His parents, Alfred and Mary (Hicks) Durey were natives of England and in 1849 emigrated to the new world, choosing as their home Delaware county. Here they homesteaded a farm, which they improved and on which they continued to reside until death. To this union were born eleven children, of whom eight are now living.
     George C. Durey acquired his education in the common schools and also attended a seminary for two years. He remained at home until fifteen years of age, when he began work on a farm by the month, so continuing for three years. He then bought eighty acres of land in Coffins Grove township, for which he paid twenty six dollars an acre. He has from time to time added to his possessions until he is today the owner of one hundred and twenty acres, situated on section 34, Coffins Grove township. This he improved with good buildings and gave his attention to its cultivation throughout many years but in 1910, feeling that he had acquired a competence sufficient to enable him to spend his remaining days in rest and retirement, he put aside business cares and removed to Manchester, where he occupies a pleasant home. In addition to his property interests in Delaware county, he also owns four hundred and eighty acres of improved land in North Dakota. His success is the result of his own well directed energy and business management, for he started out at an early age in a humble capacity and has gradually worked his way upward until today he stands among the representative men of his home locality.
     In 1887 Mr. Durey was united in marriage to Miss Maud A. Beal, who was born in Massadon, New York, a daughter of Bernard and Florence (Parkhurst) Beal, who were likewise natives of the Empire state but in 1868 came to Delaware county, Iowa, locating on a farm. The father died here in 1910 but the mother is still living and is now in the seventy first year of her age. They had nine children but three of the number have passed away. By her marriage Mrs. Durey has become the mother of three children: Vernie, deceased; Floyd, who is married and lives in Delaware county; and Bernard O., who is also married and lives in North Dakota.
     The parents are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Durey gives his political support to the republican party and has served as a member of the school board and filled other township offices. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was for many years one of the leading agriculturists of Delaware county and enjoys and merits the esteem and confidence of the entire community.