Creating Fiction from History: 6/8/2022

John James Scanlan, Ph.D.: He liked the sound of that! John James entered this life on April 21st of the year 1894, son of John and Riordan Scanlan, of County Louth, on the East Coast of Ireland.

Soon after the birth of their first son, John and Riordan relocated to the American Mid-West, which was still in the process of becoming United. John James, therefore, grew up knowing nary but the wheatfields they were surrounded by when the trouble started brewing across the pond.

While the Scanlans were not unfamiliar with the ravages of war, back in the land of their nativity, John James was the first Scanlan to receive the Victoria Cross for extreme devotion to duty.

John James made it out of hell unscathed, but would never again call the wheatfields of the American Mid-West home. After moving across the mighty Mississip to the Windy City, John James launched into his studies. He had never thought of going into law himself. However, stemming from his experiences in the War, John James, or “Jim” as he became fondly known, entered the field of study. He found it not only bolstered his understanding of the evil men do but enabled him to be of assistance to those having difficulties with the continued horrors of war, even though they had virtually emerged unharmed. John James went on to earn his Ph.D. in Psychology, all the while wearing his Victoria Cross, as pictured, his badge of honor!

If you would like to create fiction from history with one of the museum’s photos, please contact the Ledger at (406) 287-5301 or email whledger@gmail.com.