Joseph Stras Peery

(David Harold, Major David, John, James #1)

Extracts from the Condensed Life of Joseph Stras Peery, written by himself.

At a reunion of the David Harold Peery Family held at the Lagoon [amusement park] in August 1942, my daughter Luacine Peery Pingree was elected to be the family historian. Luacine now asks me to write a condensed history of myself. A more detailed history is found in six written volumes, also in my quotation books.

Compiled and Edited by Paul Davis Peery

Part 1

When nineteen at Roanoke College, Virginia, I started carrying a quotation book. I have about fifty of these books. I have made it a plan when I read or hear a quotation I like, to write it in these books, also to take notes when I hear a sermon or lecture, even when listening to a radio address. Afterwards, to review the book, a good place is on the street car, or while waiting, where I take out the book. These quotations have been a real help in lifes journey. Here are some of them:

From a young child in LDS Primary:

Count that day lost whose low descending sun views from thy hand no worthy option done.

Some of my father's excellent instructions on honesty and a good name, and to be strong with the common people are these:

Be friendly. Never talk about anyone. Talk about the sun, moon and stars.

My mother's Bible quotations:

If you have mercy, be merciful.
All things work together for good to them that love God.
Judge not that ye be not judged.

At Roanoke College, I adopted Ceaser Augustus' Motto:

He who goes not forward goes backward

Also, a Bible quotation: If you have friends be friendly.

Also, from the Koran:

When a man dies those who survive him inquire, what property has he left behind, but the good angel who bends over the bed of the dying man inquires, what good deeds has he sent before.

Also, Henry Ward Beecher wrote:

The test of your Christian character should be that you are a joy bearing agent to the world.

At Yale Law school, when twenty-five, the motto of the student in the class book was:

Look for the best in every person you meet.

Brother Lorin Farr in 1890 said:

I worry if I can help it. If I can't help it, I don't worry.

In 1941, in the Reader's Digest:

Don't worry. If you worry it goes to your heart and kills you.

In 1942, in the LDS Salt Lake Temple:

If you worry, the Devil has you right where he wants you.

Joseph S. Peery at 74: Worry kills faith.

In 1908, from the blessing of John Smith the Church Patriarch:

If you will only continue in the line of duty nothing can stay your progress.

This has served me well in hard knocks. I pass this on to my family. Be sure to use it daily.

To be continued . . . .

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