Since 1925, governors in Texas have continued the tradition of singling-out Bible verses for the benefit of their successors on inauguration day. It began when Gov. Pat Neff placed the inscription, “Presented to My Successors in Office,” on a small leather-bound Bible and gave it to Gov. James “Pa” Ferguson with Psalm 119:105 marked: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Here is a list of markings and inscriptions in the “Neff Bible” with links to the verses in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:

Gov. Neff to Gov. Ferguson: Psalm 119:105 — “Marked by Pat M. Neff Jan 18, 1925”

Gov. Ferguson to Gov. Moody: Matthew 7:12 — “Marked by Gov M. A. Ferguson Jan 18, 1927”

Gov. Moody to Gov. Sterling: John 3:16 — “Marked by Dan Moody Jan 10, 1931”

Gov. Moody to Gov. Sterling: Psalm 19:14 — “Marked by Dan Moody 1/10/31”

Gov. Sterling to Gov. Ferguson: none found

Gov. Ferguson to Gov. Allred: Jeremiah 50:32 — “Marked by Governor Miriam A Ferguson Jan 15, 1935”

Gov. Allred to Gov. O’Daniel: Psalm 91:2 — “Marked by Governor James V. Allred for Governor W. Lee O’Daniel—Jan. 17, 1939”

Gov. O’Daniel to Gov. Stevenson: Exodus 20:3-17 — “The Ten Commandments marked by Governor W. Lee O’Daniel for Governor Coke Stevenson 8-2-1941”

Gov. Stevenson to Gov. Jester: 2 Timothy 2:15 — “Marked by Coke Stevenson January 21, 1947 for Governor Beauford H. Jester”

Gov. Jester to Gov. Shivers: Gov. died in office

Gov. Shivers to Gov. Daniel: Philippians 4:6 — “Phil. 4.6 Marked by Allan Shivers Jan. 15, 1957 for Governor Price Daniel”

Gov. Daniel to Gov. Kazen: Psalm 121 — “Marked for Governor Abraham Kazen Jr August 4, 1959. Good luck. Price Daniel.”

Gov. Daniel to Gov. Connally: Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Marked by Gov. Price Daniel for Governor John Connally 1/15/63”

Gov. Connally to Gov. Smith: Proverbs 29:18 — “Preston, may you have a happy and productive administration. My fond regards always—John”

Gov. Smith to Gov. Briscoe: Proverbs 12:19 — “Dolph, may your administration be productive and enjoyable—Good luck and best wishes—Preston Smith”

Gov. Briscoe to Gov. Clements: Micah 6:8 — “Dolph Briscoe for Bill Clements Jan. 16, 1979”

Gov. Clements to Gov. White: Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “Bill Clements for Mark White 1-18-83”

Gov. White to Gov. Clements: Proverbs 22:6 — “Mark White for Bill Clements 1-20-87”

Gov. Clements to Gov. Richards: Ecclesiastes 3:17 — “Bill Clements for Ann Richards 1-15-91”

Gov. Richards to Gov. Bush: Amos 5:15(a) — “Ann Richards to George Bush 1/17/95”

Gov. Bush to Gov. Perry: Isaiah 40:28-31 — “Marked by GW Bush for Rick Perry 12-21-00”

Gov. Perry to Gov. Abbott: Matthew 20:25-28 — “Marked by Rick Perry for Greg Abbott 1-19-15”