Joannah Irey 1839-1916

IREY, BEESON, SMITH, ERB, QUIER, BEAN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 9/20/2018 at 11:27:50

13 April 1916 - West Branch Times

Joannah Hester Irey, daughter of John S. and Rachel Beeson Smith, was born in Meigs County, Ohio, January 5th, 1839. In February 1850 the family moved to Jay Co., Indiana, where on July 6th, 1854 the mother died, leaving the father and six children, the youngest of this motherless flock being three and a half years old. Joannah, the eldest daughter, then only 14 years of age together with her sister, Ann, two years younger, accepted the mothership of that lonely little brood. In September of the year 1854, the family left Indiana by covered wagon and traveled overland to Cedar County, Iowa, arriving at what became the homestead of John S. Smith on October 11th. Here they lived for several years. At this time there was no Centerdale and no railroad. During the rigorous winters which followed it was at time a real battle to keep the bitter cold out of their one room house with its plasterless walls. But hope and faith ever kept the best ideal uppermost and thus the eldest daughter grew to womanhood.

From this home she was married March 17, 1858, to Samuel J. Irey of Joy County, Indiana. Afterward in 1862 they returned to Iowa, where they settled near the father's homestead. Here they built a comfortable home. To them were born four children: Richard Smith, who died in infancy; Rachel Ann Erb of Centerdale; Evaline R. Quier, who preceded her mother in death five years ago, March 2, 1911; and Chester S. who lives on the home farm at Centerdale.

On December 13, 1888, her husband was called to his heavenly home and laid to rest in the Friends cemetery north of West Liberty. For the following fourteen years she made a home for her son, Chester S. until his marriage in 1902. From then until the time of her death she made her home with her daughter, Rachel Ann Erb. The last two winters she has spent at the fireside of her brother, Richard and family at Pasadena, Calif. at whose home she passed away, March 30th, 1916.

Of this family of six children, Pierce T. passed away at his home in Denver five years ago. Mary M. Bean and Richard B. were present at the time her spirit passed beyond; her sister, Ann, brother, Ellis, daughter, Rachel and son, Chester, are her near relatives.

Her granddaughter, Inez Quier, who had been her companion in California for the last two winters, like a true companion took charge of these remains throughout the long journey to the scene of the old homestead and old friends and loved ones.

The entire life of Mrs. Irey was characterized by simplicity and kindness and in whatever community she lived she was greatly beloved. Her life was a true example of sweetness and charity that will abide long in the hearts of those who knew her. To her grandchildren, nieces and nephews and to all others her unusual evenness of temperament has been and always will be an inspiration and help. She affiliated herself with the Congregational Church some years ago and continued a faithful member to the end. She has ever kept the faith and has gone on before us to her reward. Services were held at Pasadena, Calif., April 1st that her many friends and relatives might pay their last respects before the body was taken to her home at Centerdale. Services were held April 5th at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Rachel A. Erb. She was laid to rest by the side of her husband.