Elder, Donald C., III 1952-

(Donald Cam Elder, III)

PERSONAL:

Born May 27, 1952, in Farmington, MN; son of Donald C. II (a radio and television broadcaster) and Irene S. (a homemaker) Elder; married August 10, 1974; wife's name Janine S. (an administrator); children: Donald Cam IV, Brian Martin. Ethnicity: "Caucasian." Education: Attended Northwestern University, 1970-72; University of Northern Iowa, B.A., 1974; University of California, San Diego, M.A., Ph.D., 1989. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Episcopalian.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Portales, NM. Office—Department of History, Eastern New Mexico University, Station 19, Portales, NM 88130. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER:

High school history teacher and athletic coach in Vinton, IA, 1974-83; University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, assistant professor of history, 1989-95; Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, professor of history, 1995—. Rooney-Moon Broadcasting, sports play-by-play commentator, 1997—; Roosevelt County Little League, president. Member of Civil War Preservation Trust.

MEMBER:

American Astronautical Society, American Historical Association, Lincoln Memorial Association, Roosevelt County History Society (president), Alpha Phi Omega.

WRITINGS:

Out from behind the Eight-ball: A History of Project Echo, American Astronautical Society Press (San Diego, CA), 1995.

A Damned Iowa Greyhound: The Civil War Letters of William Henry Harrison Clayton, University of Iowa Press (Iowa City, IA), 1998.

(Editor) History of Rocketry and Astronautics, American Astronautical Society Press (San Diego, CA), Volume 23 (with Christophe Rothmund), 2001, Volume 25 (with Herve Moulin), 2003, Volume 26 (with George James), 2005.

Love amid the Turmoil: The Civil War Letters of William and Mary Vermilion, University of Iowa Press (Iowa City, IA), 2003.

SIDELIGHTS:

Donald C. Elder, III, told CA: "I always loved reading history books, and hoped that some day I would be able to help others remember and interpret their nation's past. With my writings about the American Civil War, I have tried to be as interesting and as entertaining as James McPherson, who I regard to be the finest writer on the subject. Cargill Hall is the author that I have looked to for inspiration when I write about space history. I try to find an interesting aspect of history, then present it in a factual but entertaining manner.

"I was surprised that I could write anything longer than a ten-page term paper! I have to credit Michael Parrish and Keith Nelson, my dissertation advisors, for giving me confidence. I really liked Love amid the Turmoil. William and Mary Vermilion were amazingly gifted correspondents, and their love during turbulent times is truly inspiring.

"After reading my books, I hope people will want to know more about our nation's past."

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Choice, November, 1995, T. Page, review of Out from behind the Eight-ball: A History of Project Echo, p. 486.

Isis, June, 1999, James Harford, review of Out from behind the Eight-ball, p. 401.

Journal of Southern History, November, 2004, Virginia J. Laas, review of Love amid the Turmoil: The Civil War Letters of William and Mary Vermilion, p. 939.

SciTech Book News, August, 1996, review of Out from behind the Eight-ball, p. 62.