James Theodore Richmond (1890 - 1975)

Born 26 May 1890 in Brule, Keith, Nebraska, United States

Ancestors

Died 3 Dec 1975 at age 85 in Texarkana, Bowie, Texas, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jimmy Honey [send private message]

Biography

James Richmond is Notable.

Corporal James Richmond served in the United States Army in World War I
Service started: 1918
Unit(s): 339th Field Artillery Regiment
Service ended: 9 Jul 1919

James "Ted" Theodore Richmond is notable for his pioneering efforts in bridging the gap between literature and rural communities, particularly in the Ozark Mountains. Through his visionary initiative, the Wilderness Library, he brought access to reading materials and education to the mountain folks, embodying the spirit of altruism and community service. His dedication to fostering literacy and enlightenment in remote areas, coupled with his unwavering commitment to social upliftment, earned him national recognition as one of the foremost librarians of his time. James Richmond's legacy continues to inspire, serving as a testament to the transformative power of literature and the enduring impact of compassionate activism.^[1][2]

James "Ted" Theodore Richmond, born on May 26, 1890, in Brule, Keith County, Nebraska,^[3] emerged as a pivotal figure in American journalism and community service, leaving an indelible mark on the landscapes of the Ozarks. Son of Albert Cary Richmond and Etta Emily (Racey) Richmond, his early years were marked by a sense of wanderlust and a quest for knowledge that would define his life's journey.^[2]

By the turn of the 20th century, young James found himself residing on California Street in Madison, Lee County, Iowa, a precursor to the nomadic life that awaited him.^[4] His formative years witnessed a blend of academic pursuit and journalistic fervor. After stints at the Iowa Business College, where he honed his writing skills, and the University of Chicago, where he sought intellectual enrichment, James embarked on his journalistic career.^[5][6]

Fort Madison, Iowa, became the crucible for his burgeoning talents. At the "Quincy Whig, Gem Gem City of Madison," he began his foray into editorial writing and reporting, laying the foundation for a career marked by dedication and passion. However, it was his move to Evening Shade, Texas County, Missouri, that would mark a significant juncture in his life.^[7][8]

In Evening Shade, James seamlessly transitioned between the roles of journalist and farmer, contributing to the local newspaper while tending to the land.^[3] The outbreak of World War I altered the course of his journey, as he answered the nation's call to arms. Drafted into the infantry, he served with valor as part of the American Expeditionary Force in France, a testament to his unwavering patriotism and courage. He was assigned to the Headquarters Company, 339th Field Artillery, 88th Division. He was discharged with the rank of corporal at the end of the war.^[9][10]

Upon his return from the war, James pursued higher education at Missouri Teachers College, intertwining his academic pursuits with his passion for community service. His relocation to Roubidoux, Texas County, Missouri, saw him immerse himself in educational endeavors, notably at the school library.^[5][6]

The 1920s ushered in a new chapter in James's life as he ventured into the realm of journalism once more, this time as the associate editor of "Ozark Life: The Mirror of the Ozarks." Collaborating with folklorist Otto Ernest Rayburn, he delved into the rich tapestry of Ozark culture, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.^[11][12]

The 1930s witnessed James's deepening commitment to the rural communities of the Ozarks. Settling in "the cove" on Mount Sherman in Newton County, Arkansas, he embarked on a visionary endeavor to bridge the gap between literature and the mountains. Through his Wilderness Library project, James endeavored to provide access to reading materials for the mountain folks, embodying the spirit of altruism and empathy.^[13][14]

Despite facing challenges and obstacles, James's unwavering dedication bore fruit, with his library receiving notable donations, including a contribution from Eleanor Roosevelt. Renamed the Wilderness Library, it became a beacon of enlightenment and hope in the heart of the Ozarks, a testament to James's vision and perseverance.^[15][16]

The latter half of James's life saw him transition from librarian to entrepreneur, as he incorporated the Wilderness Library and expanded its reach. However, fame brought its own set of challenges, as James grappled with the portrayal of Ozark locals as "hillbillies," prompting his eventual departure from the region.^[15][16]

In his later years, James found solace in Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas, where he married Edna Garner and continued his philanthropic endeavors. Despite leaving behind his beloved library, James's legacy endured, earning him national recognition as one of the foremost librarians of his time.^[17]

James "Ted" Theodore Richmond's life journey epitomizes the transformative power of literature and community service, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire generations. His passing on December 3, 1975, marked the end of an era, but his spirit lives on through the Wilderness Library and the countless lives he touched along the way.^[18][19] He was buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas.^[20]

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. James Theodore Richmond. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. January 19, 2024, 01:54 UTC. Available at: "James Theodore Richmond." Accessed May 9, 2024.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Raney, Dennis L., Oak Grove, Missouri, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, 7 Sep 2023. "Ted Richmond (1890–1975)." Accessed 9 May 2024.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918: Registration State: Missouri; Registration County: Texas County Ancestry Record 6482 #20724929
4. ↑ 1900 United States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: Madison, Lee, Iowa; Roll: 442; Page: 18; Enumeration District: 0073 Ancestry Record 7602 #15847678
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1} Dillard, Tom. Statesmen, Scoundrels, and Eccentrics: A Gallery of Amazing Arkansans. United States: University of Arkansas Press, 2010. "Statesmen, Scoundrels, and Eccentrics: A Gallery of Amazing Arkansans." Accessed 9 May 2024.
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} Rayburn, Otto Ernest. Ozark Country. United States: University of Arkansas Press, 2021. "Ozark Country." Accessed 9 May 2024.
7. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Fort Madison Ward 5, Lee, Iowa; Roll: T624_410; Page: 8a; Enumeration District: 0084; FHL microfilm: 1374423 Ancestry Record 7884 #137536522
8. ↑ Iowa, U.S., State Census Collection, 1836-1925: State Historical Society of Iowa (Via Heritage Quest); Microfilm of Iowa State Censuses, 1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925 As Well Various Special Censuses From 1836-1897 Ancestry Record 1084 #1831419
9. ↑ U.S., Army Transport Service Arriving and Departing Passenger Lists, 1910-1939: The National Archives at College Park; College Park, Maryland; Record Group Title: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774-1985; Record Group Number: 92; Roll or Box Number: 27 Ancestry Record 61174 #294562
10. ↑ U.S., Army Transport Service Arriving and Departing Passenger Lists, 1910-1939: The National Archives at College Park; College Park, Maryland; Record Group Title: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774-1985; Record Group Number: 92; Roll or Box Number: 431 Ancestry Record 61174 #4672042
11. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Roubidoux, Texas, Missouri; Roll: T625_965; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 121 Ancestry Record 6061 #45646285
12. ↑ "What Missouri and Kansas Authors Are Doing", Kansas City Journal, Kansas City, Missouri, 15 Apr 1928, Sun. - Page 54. Newspapers Clip: 146917887, Accessed 9 May 2024.
13. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Winslow, Washington, Arkansas; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0047; FHL microfilm: 2339832 Ancestry Record 6224 #24415645
14. ↑ U.S., General Land Office Records, 1776-2015: Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records; Washington D.C., USA; Federal Land Patents, State Volumes Ancestry Record 1246 #8568453
15. ↑ ^{15.0 15.1} "'Hemmed-In Hollow' Folks Get Larnin' At Wilderness Library", Florence Morning News, Florence, South Carolina, 25 Aug 1933, Fri. - Page 12. Newspapers Clip: 146916920, Accessed 9 May 2024.
16. ↑ ^{16.0 16.1} "Ozark Folks Have Library of Own of 3,000 Volumes", The Oshkosh Northwestern, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 31 May 1935, Fri. - Page 4. Newspapers Clip: 146917160, Accessed 9 May 2024.
17. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Jackson, Newton, Arkansas; Roll: 580; Page: 72; Enumeration District: 51-10A Ancestry Record 62308 #30834638
18. ↑ Texas, U.S., Death Certificates, 1903-1982: Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin Texas, USA; Texas Death Certificates, 1903–1982 Ancestry Record 2272 #833577
19. ↑ U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861-1985: National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, MO, USA; Applications for Headstones and Markers, 7/1/1970-9/30/1985; NAID: 6016127; Record Group Number: 15; Record Group Title: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773-2007 Ancestry Record 2375 #4949022
20. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86225648/james_theodore-richmond: accessed May 9, 2024), memorial page for James Theodore -Twilight Ted- Richmond (26 May 1890–3 Dec 1975), Find A Grave: Memorial #86225648, citing Rose Hill Cemetery, Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas, USA; Maintained by Granville & Patricia Murphy (contributor 47224507).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q6144123