Greensboro, March 28—James E. Scholefield, jailed here on a charge of bigamy, today told the story of his life, embracing politics, adventure, semi-religious activities and love, the latter to the tune of three marriages.
His first wife was a suicide, he said as has been stated, but he did not desert her, he said. She died in his arms after taking a dose of poison, he declared, having made 11 unsuccessful attempts to kill herself.
Youngest city councilman in the United States, commissioned a Justice of Peace by Calvin Coolidge when the President was governor of Massachusetts, a “pick and shovel man,” rising to executive position in city government but fired because he was the football of politics, a big figure in soccer football, refereeing some of the biggest games in the United States. These are some of the highlights in his career.
His career blighted his second wife, Mrs. Ruth Scholefield of Weehawken, N.J., followed his trail here and he was arrested Tuesday afternoon, plead guilty to bigamy Wednesday, and waits action at the hand of Guilford Superior court with bond set at $10,000, which he has not raised. The last girl he wed was Miss Nina Fulton, of this city, the marriage taking place last December 29, intends to sell their furniture and give the money to Mrs. Scholefield.
Had Chance to Leave
Secretary of Fredericksburg, Va., Chamber of Commerce; Charity drive worker, once lay reader in the Episcopal Church, honored and respected here, given the confidence of the best people in the city under the name of John Eastwood, he had a chance to leave here before he was arrested, but refused to take the tip.
About a month ago a gentleman passing through Greensboro from Fredericksburg invited me to dine at the O. Henry hotel,” he stated today. “He informed me that serious trouble was brewing for me and advised me to leave Greensboro quietly. I informed him that whatever the future held for me, I would let the issue be decided in Greensboro. It has been kind and unkind to me and I had hoped to be allowed to live in peace here and become as useful citizen. It is not God’s will; ‘tis probably better to go.”
He was an accountant in a Massachusetts town, he said, not naming the place, owned his home, was happy and prosperous; president of the Massachusetts State Football Association for two years. During his first married life he entered politics, he said, was elected to the city council, and when his wife began to make attempts on her life, finally poisoning herself, her last request that he kiss her as she lay lying in his arms, it hurt him politically.
The statement goes on to say that he was defeated in the second election by 42 votes; sold his home and paid his creditors 100 cents on the dollar; left the city, returned, was given work in the Water Department as a laborer, then in the estimate department; was dismissed, went to Bristol, Conn., met Miss Ruth Archie, married her, supported his dependents the while; lost his job because a factory shut down, became secretary of the United State Football (Soccer) Association; went to New York and then came South, by easy stages, landing here last June, when he became bookkeeper for an automobile agency, and took a leading part in religious and civic activities.
Puts Faith in God
“What of the future? you ask,” the statement goes on. “I shall start all over again, believing that God will take care of me. There is joy in repentance, and some day in the Almighty presence the divine judge will member though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be washed whiter than snow. I believe God will use me, it is in Him now that I put my trust.”
Mrs. Scholefield denies that she said her first wife killed herself because he deserted her and that his four children are dependents upon charity.
From page 4 of the Wilson Times, April 1, 1924
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