Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1911-01-31
4tlistellaneuus Radina.
j. II. TIlLMAN'S NURSE.
She Was Dismissed Because of a Let
ter to the Senator.


Asheville, January 27.-Anent the
several newspaper stories relative to
Col James H. Tillman, who has been
visitor and health seeker in Ashe-
vile for the past several months and
who is declared to be rapidly improv-
ing, Mrs. Mary Dortch Scofield, who
came here with Col. Tillman as his
nurse and who remained with Col
Tillman until, as she says, she was
fired because she wrote a letter to
Senator Benjamin Tillman asking that
he assist his nephew" has handed in
for publication a communication CIV
ing her side of the matter, and also
letter from former Governor Charles B.
Aycock of North Carolina as to her
standing. refinement and culture. Mrs.
Scofeld's communication follows:
"I have paid no attention to the
stories lately printed, but the attack
by Mrs. NJ. T. Bunch, sister Of Col.
Tillman, as she signed herself when
in Asheville, cannot go unnoticed. (She
refers to an article in the Spartanburg
Journal a few days ago. They are
not true. was with Col Tillman from
the hour that he arrived in Asheville
until he became angry about my writ
ing to Senator Tillman to assist him.
Then he dismissed me, saying that
was the best nurse he had ever seen
but he would never have another
trained nurse, but would get a niger
who would not tell everything. l have
nothing to say against my patient.
did my duty by him. When he went to
Larkspur cottage, in Albermarle park,
it was l who advanced the money for
three months rent; also the s25 which
paid for the bed he now occupies.
expected his sister, Mrs. Bunch, to re-
pay that money. She left here Novem-
her 9, promising to send me check
November 15 have not received one
penny yet. She left without leaving
one penny in the house. and the rest
of my money, over $50 went for what
would call very necessary expenses:
milk, eggs. etc Mrs. Bunch was not
in Larkspur cottage after November 2
until January II, although I wrote her
in December l would be compelled to
go where could make expenses, then
only remained three nights. Certain
patients are allowed to eat all they can
get did not know Col. Tillman had
been forbidden that privilege. / never
nursed in Baltimore. l told Col. TILL
man when I went to him Of my dis
missal from the out patient depart
ment' connected with Bellevue. I am
not ashamed but rather proud of the
fact. Miss Goodrich offered to let me
resign, but l preferred a dismissal be-
cause | was dismissed for reporting
unjust treatment of helpless patients.
The matter was placed before Mayor
Gaynor, but he did not give me fair
investigation. Miss Goodrich and DR..
Brannon misrepresented the case to
him and he let it drop. I intend to
have it up later.
Il have been noted for giving my
time and money to patients. This Is
the first time I have been accused Of
trying to steal. AS a letter from the
governor of South Carolina has been
given, no doubt l will be pardoned for
producing one from former governor
of North Carolina, Hon. Charles A. Ay-
cock. Respectfully,
Mrs. Mary D. Scofield."
The letter from former Governor Ay-
cock. which Mrs. Scofield handed in as
an exhibit, follows:
ITO Whom it May Concern:
Il have known Mrs. Mary Dortch|
Scofeld for more than 25 years. She
is a member of one Of the very best
families in North Carolina, and she is
a woman Of culture, high and noble
purpose Her life has been devoted to-
the service of others. She is absolute
ly and unqualifedly truthful about all
matters and can be implicitly relied
upon. wish to make this testimonial
as strong as language permits, because
in truth she is entitled t" it.
Very respectfully,
&C. B. Aycock."