William C. (Cal) James’s career after earning a Ph.D. at Indiana University spans over three decades and includes teaching, research, and the practical application of geology to answering questions about earth history. Born in Humphreys County, Tennessee, he spent part of his boyhood years listening to stories about the Civil War and an ancestor’s possible role in that war. Cal’s long interest in the history of the area has resulted in this work of non-fiction, Skirmish at the Irish Shanty. He lives with his wife and daughter in Columbus, Ohio.