a self-made millionaire known for both his loving restorations of local houses and his grand parties. Williams never really felt the embrace of Savannah’s wealthy constituency. Although his bank account certainly qualified him for entry into their circle, he was nouveau riche, and hence, an outsider. Old money and aristocracy hold a lot of weight in the South. Williams answered their snobbery with “It’s the riche that counts” (Berendt, p.7). Williams lived in a mansion known as Mercer House, it was built in 1861 and stands at the west end of Monterey Square. Mercer House is the center stage for much of the book. It is also where his well-known Christmas parties were held and its study was the site of the shooting of Danny Hansford. While we’re on the subject, Danny Hansford was a part-time employee and houseguest of Williams. Hansford was a young man that had quite a reputation in Savannah for his violent temper and his sexual proclivity to service both men and women. Not to mention his abusive use of drugs and alcohol, which helps explain why he had been in and out of jail so many times. Despite all the fights they had and the numerous times Williams had to bail him out of jail, he still gave Danny another chance. All of that soon changed though. One night Hansford and Williams were playing a video game when Hansford suddenly broke out in a violent rage. After much commotion Williams went up to his study where Hansford soon followed with a German Luger. He pointed it at Williams who was sitting behind the desk and said, “I’m leaving tomorrow, but you’re leaving tonight” (Berendt, p.172). With that, he fired at Williams missing him with the first shot. Then he went to shoot again but the gun had jammed. As Hansford fooled with it Williams grabbed his own gun that he keeps in the study and fired. Hansford fell to the floor dead. Williams claims self-defense and a ...
