Will James (1892-1942), was a renowned artist and writer of the American West, originally born as Joseph Ernest Nephtali Dufault. It was during his creative years that everyone grew to know him as Will James. Throughout his life, he drifted and worked at several jobs, was briefly jailed for cattle rustling, served in the army, and began selling his sketches.

In 1922, he sold his first writing piece, Bucking Horse Riders. The sale of several books followed, where he became known for his vivid depictions of the American West and, in particular, horses. His 1926 book, Smoky the Cowhorse, was awarded the prestigious John Newbery Medal in 1927, and remains in print to this day. Several movie adaptations of the story have been created, including a 1933 version that featured James himself.