Borden Money

[Audrey]

Money often makes people do things they might not normally do. People always joke about the things they might or might not do for a million dollars…

Lizzie left her money to various charities, servants and friends.

Ernest Terry Sr. Matilda Johnson and Florence Pemberton petitioned for the $3000.00 ($31384.86 in today’s dollars) left to them in Lizzie’s will, section 2. (1)


Charles Cook, executor of Lizzie’s will, and legatees, Grace Howe and Helen Leighton objected to the bequest. The probate judge upheld Lizzie’s will. Charles, Grace and Helen hired a Boston law firm to appeal to the State Supreme Court. They lost. (2)

Charles Cook submitted his executor’s fees as $10,000. Ms. Howe and Ms. Leighton objected to the amount and it was reduced to $5000. (3) (That $10,000 would be about $104,616.21 today—even halved to $5000, still a pretty penny in today’s money!)

Charles Cook sold the Henry property (A home on property near Maplecroft) in March of 1928 for $10,000 (at a loss as the property was purchased in 1926 for $12,000 with Lizzie’s money) Lizzie paid for the property but had it in Mr. Cook’s name so as to avoid publicity. She paid for all care and taxes on the property. Grace and Helen contested this sale and demanded the monies be placed in the estate. The probate court agreed and added a 6% interest rate. Mr. Cook appealed to the Supreme Court in Boston and lost. (4)

When Helen Leighton died her will was contested as well. This happened in 1951. Two of the legatees were in dispute over cash bequests and furnishings. This would have been almost 60 years after Andrew died. (It is interesting to note that Ms. Leighton’s estate was valued at $35,473.53 (today, $272257.49 (1951/2005)). She got an estimated $36,000 from Lizzie in 1927. ($376618.37 in today’s money (1927/2005) (5)

She wouldn’t have had much if not for the Bordens.

Of course Emma was the smart one! In the 13th directive in her will she instructs that anyone who opposes her will forfeits their inheritance! (6)

She also left Mr. Cook an additional $2000 of Borden money. ($20923.24 (1927/2005)) (7)

Andrew should have spent it all…. I wonder if he would have if he had only known…..


1)- Rebello, ( r) p326
2)- ( r) p327
3)- ( r) p328
4)- ( r) p329
5)- ( r) pp330-331
6)- ( r) p347
7)- ( r) p348

Lizzie and Emma’s wills available to download @ http://www.lizzieandrewborden.com/CrimeLibrary.htm

Inflation calculator: http://www.westegg.com/inflation/

[Kat]

11 views and a thank you, Audey.

The papers say that Morse, when asked about what he and Andrew talked about Wednesday night into the dark, he said he jokingly told Andrew he should buy Jay Gould's yacht for $300,000. Andrew replied *What good would that do me?*
HA!

[augusta]

Audrey, your post is fascinating. Thanks for sharing all that information. I'm a little surprised to hear Grace Howe fought Lizzie's will. I had the impression she was doing okay financially.

I didn't realize the final estates of Leighton and Howe were in Rebello. Or did those come from another source?

Kat, was the amount for that yacht in the paper like two or three thousand, instead of $300,000? And was that conversation in the morning of August 4th?

[Kat]

Oooo, we're both right. Except I thought it was $200,000 and I wrote $300,000!

“It was about 6 o’clock when I [Morse] got up, and had breakfast about an hour later. Then Andrew and I read the papers and we chatted until 20 minutes before 9 o’clock.

“While at the table I asked Andrew why he did not buy Gould’s yacht for $200,000 at which price it was advertised, and he laughed, saying what little good it would do him if he really did have it."
--The Fall River Daily Globe, Friday, August 5, 1892, page 1+

"THE BUTCHERY"

Thanks Augusta!

Well, I wonder if Andrew had bought that, he would not have been killed? But then again I think Abby would have killed him!

[Liz Crouthers]

Abby nah she doen't have it in her

[Audrey]

Audrey, your post is fascinating. Thanks for sharing all that information. I'm a little surprised to hear Grace Howe fought Lizzie's will. I had the impression she was doing okay financially.

I didn't realize the final estates of Leighton and Howe were in Rebello. Or did those come from another source?

Kat, was the amount for that yacht in the paper like two or three thousand, instead of $300,000? And was that conversation in the morning of August 4th?

It all came from Rebello.

I have been thumbing through it looking for new (to me) information and am always on the look out for new post ideas!

[Audrey]

Abby nah she doen't have it in her

Never underestimate the rage of an adult woman sick of the way her children, step or otherwise, treat her.

[Liz Crouthers]

she's an old woman like 64 what she gonna do?

[Audrey]

My mother is in her early 60's. She walks close to 5 miles each day while doing her errands. She is constantly busy, travels anywhere she wants to go and she has really nice manners. She taught me some of them!



Yes, she is 60+. Move over Joan Collins....

[Liz Crouthers]

okay so your moms cool but in 1892 you were lucky to live to 75

[theebmonique]

Yes, Auntie Maxine is quite the woman ! I think she has more energy than anyone on this board. I could never keep up with her.


Tracy...

[stuartwsa]

I can see where you get your looks, poise and charm, Audrey. Your mother looks to be barely 40!