In April 1940, the Arkansas Gazette reported on the "log cabin library" at Mount Sherman. It was in the home of James T Richmond, who said "No doubt you have heard of Wilderness Library, which started in my log cabin home several years ago with 'one book and a prayer' and since had become nationally known...Now I am receiving books from every state and from foreign countries."
Richmond said he felt his library filled a need in the area, and conducted the work free of charge. He even invested some of his own money to keep the project going.
According to the article, he sought incorporation with the state, but was discouraged from doing so.
Barbara LeRoy is the author of “Which Side Were They On?,” a new 302 page book listing biographical sketches of the Newton Countians who were involved in the Civil War, available for sale either in the Bradley House Museum or by purchasing online at www.newtoncountyar.com. The book sells for $33.
