Story of My Life in Poetry and Prose

About the Book

Story of My Life in Poetry and Prose is the life story of author, Terrence L. Johnson-Cooney told in poetry and prose from his very poor beginning, abandoned at birth by his father and the death of his beloved mother when he was only twelve. The abuse by his step-father, who always called him stupid and dumb. As a teenager he moved in with his grandparents. There through hardwork and determination he graduated from high school.

Told by many that he was not college material, Terrence went to Clarion State College in Pennsylvania and graduated. At age 21 he located his father in Butte, Montana. Continuing with his education he earned a master degree. He taught English and Public Speaking at the high school level. Terrence has researched and written several books on his family genealogy. His poems have appeared in several publications. A great example of no matter how bad your start in life was with hard work and determination you can be what you want to be.

At age 11 his first poem was published in the school newspaper. His poetry reflects his adventures during his many European trips to the homes of his ancestors. Poetry is a power tool by which the author can share his feelings with others who relate to the ups and downs that life brings you. Through poetry and prose he will take the reader on a trip from childhood through old age. Enjoy your trip through these pages as you cry, laugh, and remember your own life's joys and sorrows.
JUST PASS'N THRU

About the Author

Born Bradford, Pa. 27th June 1947. Attended grade school at Limestone High School, Limestone, N.Y. Graduated from Keystone High School, Knox, Pa. class of ‘66. Received a B. S. Degree in Secondary Education from Clarion State College, Clarion, Pa. M.A. in Communications, Sangamon University. Springfield, IL. Graduate work at Clarion State College and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. He was employed as a Public Relations Representative for A T & T and Illinois Bell Telephone Company. He taught English, speech and theatre at Brookville High School from 1973 to 1976 Brookville, Pa. The Survivors magazine has published several of his articles and poems. He has participated in numerous poetry contests. Also published in the State Journal Register in Springfield, IL. Chosen in 1987 by the Illinois Arts Council as one of Chicago’s six most promising poets. Selected to read at the Chicago Public Library and chosen to read his work on Dial-A-Poem in Chicago. Selected to be the guest poet at Lemont H.S. teaching English classes poetry. Mr. Cooney purchased the Heasley-Sutton House on River Avenue in Emlenton, Pa. on July 1, 1990 and opened September 1, 1990 the Apple Alley Bed & Breakfast. In his research he found that the house was built be Jermiah Heasley. Mr. Heasley’s fraternal grandparents were Mr. Cooney’s 5th great grandparents and came to Pennsylvania in the 1700’s from Switzerland. He is not only related to most of the people in Clarion and Venango Counties, but also related to his house! He has also helped research, edit and write the first two volumes of the Berlin Family in America 1598 to 1993 with his cousin, Reginald Berlin. The Bed & Breakfast was sold in 2000. He now lives in Butler, PA. My Mother Eileen, who died when I was young, instilled in me a joy for life, in spite of myself! He has written two books of poetry. “What Time is Tomorrow?” Additional poems were published in Vol. 1, “Half Crazy.” Co-authored a cook book while at the Bed and Breakfast of the many dishes served there Wrote a children’s book called “If I Were A Cow.” He co-wrote a murder mystery “Death Farm.” Murders at Wentlings Corners. Hope you enjoy reading the Story of My Life . “JUST PASS’IN THRU.”