LAURENS CO., SOUTH CAROLINA - NEWS - William H. Pool 1884

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The Atlanta Constitution August 23, 1884
The Atlanta Constitution  23 Aug 1884
An Unfortunate Pool
A Carolina Young Man Finds Himself in The Meshes
Laurens, S. C., August 22-[Special]-Papers have been filed in the office of 
the clerk of the court in this county in the case of Martha Eliza Burdett 
against William H. Pool.  In this correspondence some time ago I mentioned the 
fact that such a suit would be brought.  It is alleged that the plaintiff, a 
comely young woman, was courted, deceived and seduced by the defendant, 
William H. Pool, a prominent grocery merchant of this place.  Pool paid 
devoted attentions to the young woman, and it was currently thought she 
intended marrying him.  She alleges that he made a most positive promise of 
marriage, and under the influence of that hope she, in an unguarded moment, 
was tempted beyond the power of resistance.  Lately she has given birth to a 
child, which she claims is the product of the illicit amour.  Pool denies 
this.  He is a very popular young man, who has hitherto borne a good 
reputation.  He will resist the suit to the last.  The woman, through her 
attorneys, Messrs. Watts and Ball, of this town, brings suit for ten thousand 
dollars damages.  The defendant is rich and should the case go against him 
would he be able to pay that amount.  Some persons look upon the whole piece 
of business as blackmail, whilst many others--among them our best people--
regard the suit as proper and deem the accused guilty.  The case will abound 
in lively points when it comes to trial and many racy disclosures may be 
expected.  The woman and her lawyers will not accept any compromise; they will 
push the case to an end.  This is the only case of the sort ever known in this 
country.