Andrew Jackson Borden: The Man Behind America’s Most Famous Unsolved Murder

Andrew Jackson Borden was a well-known member of Fall River, Massachusetts, whose life is forever linked to one of America’s most mysterious murder cases. He and his wife Abby were found murdered in their home in 1892, thrusting the Borden family into the spotlight and making their story famous across the nation. People saw Andrew as a strict and serious man, which added even more interest to the case.

The details of Andrew Borden’s life, his family, and the shocking events of his death have kept people talking for over a century. The mystery around what happened in the Borden home still attracts curious minds who want to learn more about the people behind the headlines.

Key Takeaways

• Andrew Jackson Borden was an important figure in Fall River.
• His murder and the events that followed became legendary.
• The story of his life and death continues to grab attention today.

Life and Legacy of Andrew Jackson Borden

Andrew Jackson Borden was a prominent businessman and family man in Fall River, Massachusetts, remembered both for his achievements and the tragic events involving his family. His work in real estate, as well as his relationships with his children and wives, played major roles in shaping his story and reputation.

Early Life and Business Ventures

Andrew Jackson Borden was born in 1822 in Fall River, Massachusetts. He came from a family with long ties to the area. At first, he worked as a carpenter’s helper and learned practical skills that helped him in business.

He soon became a partner in a casket company with Frank Almy. His business sense pushed him beyond casket-making, and he started investing in real estate. Andrew Borden was very careful with money and often called a miser, but he managed to gain significant wealth by being smart and frugal.

Over time, he owned many properties around Fall River and joined local businesses. Second Street, where he lived, became a symbol of his success. Even though he lived simply, his money and business skills made him one of the wealthiest men in the city.

Personal Life and Family Connections

Andrew married Sarah Morse and together they had two daughters, Lizzie Andrew Borden and Emma Lenore Borden. Sarah died young, and Andrew remarried Abby Durfee Gray, who became stepmother to his daughters. Their home on Second Street was the center of the Borden family life.

Relations in the Borden family were sometimes strained. Emma and Lizzie both lived at home as adults and had a close bond with each other. Abby Borden, their stepmother, did not always enjoy an easy relationship with her stepdaughters. Family tension was often linked to money and inheritance concerns.

The Borden household also included visits from Sarah’s brother, John Morse, who stayed with them at times. Despite their wealth, the Bordens lived in a way some people found old-fashioned for such a successful family in Fall River.

Reputation and Character

Andrew Borden gained a reputation for extreme thrift and careful financial habits. Many people in Fall River described him as strict about spending, sometimes calling him a miser. His business dealings were generally above board but could be tough.

Neighbors and business partners saw him as honest, but not warm or generous. He supported temperance causes, did not allow alcohol in his home, and expected strict behavior from his family. Sometimes, his rigid rules caused friction inside the family, especially with Lizzie and Emma.

His character and way of life were talked about even more after his death. After Andrew and his wife Abby were murdered in 1892, public interest in the Borden family grew. Stories about him often focused on his thrift and his strict control over family and money.

The Borden Murders and Their Aftermath

Andrew Jackson Borden’s murder became one of the most talked-about crimes of the 1890s. The killings, the shocking investigation, and the unforgettable trial led to endless public debate in Fall River and across America.

Timeline of the 1892 Murders

On the morning of August 4, 1892, Andrew Borden and his wife Abby were brutally murdered inside their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. Abby was killed first, struck multiple times with a hatchet while she was making a bed in the guest room. Andrew was murdered about an hour later as he rested on the living room couch.

At the scene were Andrew’s daughters Lizzie and Emma, although Emma was away visiting friends. Bridget Sullivan, the family’s maid, claimed she was cleaning windows outside and inside. The gruesome killings shocked the community, and news spread quickly. The Boston Globe and other newspapers provided daily updates, making the Borden murders headline news.

Investigation and Evidence

Police arrived quickly to secure the crime scene at the Borden house. Investigators found Abby’s body face-down in a pool of blood, and Andrew’s head badly wounded. The murders appeared to have been committed with a sharp, heavy weapon—later determined to be a hatchet found in the basement.

Bridget Sullivan and Lizzie Borden were key witnesses during the investigation. Lizzie claimed she was in the barn at the time of the murders, but some officers believed her story kept changing. No bloody clothing was found, and there were no clear signs of forced entry. The lack of strong physical evidence made the case very difficult.

Suspicions grew around Lizzie, especially after she reportedly burned a dress days after the killings. The family’s complicated relationships, the recent changing of Andrew’s will, and rumors of conflicts over money all fueled public interest. The police struggled to establish a clear motive, but Lizzie was arrested a week later and indicted for murder.

Trial and Verdict

Lizzie Borden’s murder trial began in June 1893. The case was held in New Bedford and captured national attention. The prosecution, led by Hosea Knowlton and William Moody, tried to link Lizzie to the hatchet and inconsistencies in her statements. They pointed to Lizzie’s behavior after the murders and her mixed accounts to the police.

The defense argued there was no direct evidence tying Lizzie to the crime. They highlighted the sloppy crime scene handling and lack of bloodstains on her clothes. Bridget Sullivan’s testimony, along with other witnesses, could not clearly place Lizzie at the crime scene during the killings.

After only a brief jury deliberation, Lizzie was found not guilty. The courtroom erupted in shock and relief. Lizzie’s acquittal meant no one was ever officially convicted for Andrew and Abby Borden’s murders.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Borden murders quickly became part of American folklore. Newspapers, books, and even rhymes—like the famous “Lizzie Borden took an axe”—made the story famous across the United States. The case inspired plays, movies, and dozens of books, including the “Lizzie Borden Quarterly.”

The Borden house still stands in Fall River, now a museum that attracts visitors interested in the mystery. Lizzie’s life after the trial was filled with public scrutiny, and she stayed in Fall River until her death in 1927. Both Andrew and Abby are buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, a spot often visited by those intrigued by the case.

The legacy of the Borden murders remains strong, partly because so many questions are still unanswered. Theories about motive have included inheritance, mental illness, and even dark rumors of incest, although none were ever proven. The story continues to be studied and debated, keeping the memory of Andrew Jackson Borden and the tragic events of 1892 alive.