R. B. (Rufus Benton) Peery

Born in Virginia on April 9, 1868, he was educated at Roanoke College and Princeton Theological Seminary before entering the Lutheran ministry. Biographical sources describe him as a minister, teacher, and later an academic leader with a strong interest in cross-cultural education.

He is best remembered as a missionary in Japan, where he served for many years and wrote about the country from direct experience. His best-known book, The Gist of Japan: The Islands, Their People, and Missions, reflects that blend of firsthand observation and religious purpose.

Later in life, he became president of Midland College in Atchison, Kansas, after what contemporary accounts describe as a long career in church and mission work. He died in 1934, leaving behind writing that is still of interest to readers exploring early English-language accounts of Japan and Protestant missions.