J. Wiley Dumas is a transplant from south of the Mason-Dixon line, who has lived in Ellington for over 10 years. "The area reminds me of where I grew up in Tennessee," he says. "And the people are just as friendly. I like it here. It's home."
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Dumas is also a historical reenactor, spending most of his weekends at various events educating the public on America's rich history. He has written narratives for several documentaries on the American Civil War, as well as several fiction novels. "Writing is something I always wanted to do," he explains. "Circumstances beyond my control determined that its what I should be doing." In his writing, Dumas likes to take the point of view of what he calls 'the forgotten generation', those that are on the upper end of middle-age who can remember a "different time in America, and gaze in wonder, and a fair degree of confusion, at how much our country has changed." When not writing, Dumas can be found restoring classic aircraft, fishing, target shooting, or photographing the unique aspects and scenery of our area. "You can't write about things if you don't know them. All you have to do is get out of the house and look around." Dumas is a member of the Ellington Ad Hoc Patriotic Committee and is involved in several veteran's organizations.