Lizzy's Geneology

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 1:45 am

I purchased the Lizzy Borden trunk that sold on Ebay in March of 04' - saw the forum discussion in the Lizzy archives (Second Street Second-Hand Shop). I THINK this is an authentic truck that previously belonged to Lizzy. The previous owners gave me their family background and how they acquired the trunk several years ago which was apparently thru a George Tinkham. I am attempting further research to see if it is or is not authentic. Found several months ago that there were two penciled addresses on a couple areas of the trunk, one being 162 High St. and the other being 301 High St. The previous owners had not noticed these. Does anyone know anything about the surrounding area of the Borden house and whether or not these addresses fell in the proximity of that home, or anything about the Tinkhams association with the Borden family? I am also looking for possibilities on Sarah, Lizzys travel companion to Europe, and where her place of residence may have been. Anyone interested in seeing the trunk can view it at http://lizzieandrewborden.com/Archive04 ... rehope.htm
Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:56 am

Pete Peterson claimed that he had Lizzie's trunk that she took to Europe. He's the one who *helped* Arnold Brown.
I'm sure she had more than one trunk tho.

High Street was just around the corner from French Street- they intersected. That's all I know so far.

Hello!

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 7:33 am

Welcome deborahs!

May I ask, if you know, what year this trip to Europe was made? The 1890 trip? There have been hints that Lizzie made at least one other trip to Europe but have never been able to find out anymore about it.

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 8:10 am

Hi Harry!! I was only aware of one European trip - that being the one that Lizzy took with a Sarah Brayton. I am particularly interested in that one as I am entertaining the possibility that the initials on the side of the trunk may have been Sarahs. Was wondering if maybe one of the High St addresses had been where Sarah lived.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 9:17 am

I checked Rebello (p22) and found this:

"Note: A profile for Sarah Brayton is not included, as there was not enough information to determine which Sarah Brayton traveled to Europe. There were several ladies with the name Sarah Brayton residing in Fall River in 1890: Sarah Chaloner Brayton (1872-1951), Sarah Submit Brayton (1834-1915), Mrs. Sarah A. Brayton, and Sarah Jane (Tinkham) Brayton."

No Sarah L. though. Kat originally posted this same info in the first thread.

Is it possible that the trunk changed hands over the years and was reused by someone else with those initials?

I checked the 3 volumes of Victorian Vistas but could find no mention of Tinkhams. The Vista books are mainly from newspaper articles so that doesn't mean too much.

There were 2 Tinkhams called for Lizzie's trial as prospective jurors. One from Easton and the other from New Bedford. Neither were selected as jurors.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 10:27 am

I had an appraiser look at this trunk after purchase to try to determine whether or not the initials may have been painted on at a later date and she indicated that she was pretty positive that the existing paint on the initials was from the late 1800's to very early 1900's. I think the link person here would be the Sarah Brayton (Tinkham). I had also contacted the Fall River Historical Society after acquiring the trunk - the seller provided me with the contact person there who had been attempting to help them authenticate the item. The woman there indicated that although they believed that the information was true, they were having trouble tracing down this Brayton woman and this was needed information in order to connect the trunk with Lizzy. The previous owners also were trying to work through a ex- police officer there in Fall River who was a historical buff and was doing research on Lizzy. He was also unable to find documentation needed in order to make the connection. Seems that it has been very difficult for anyone to find out which Sarah Brayton had taken the trip to Europe with Lizzy. I think the Tinkham link is the best bet for researching and I am also interested in finding out whether or not there are existing photos of the basement in the Borden home that were taken at the time of the murders. I noticed in looking at the floorplans that there were 3 trunks in the basement that were searched. I have emailed the Fall River Historical Society to see if they can help with that. Maybe I also need to look and try to find photos of Maplecroft. Possibly it could be spotted in there if any exist... I DO believe the family that I purchased the trunk from. After contacting the Historical Society initially, I found that their services were acquired a few years earlier and that this had been an ongoing research project with that family - they would not have gone to these measures just in order to sell the trunk for a good price several years later. A funny note - the family who sold the trunk indicated that they never liked it, that it gave them the creeps. It was always kept upstairs and not used because it was Lizzys. One of those household items thats handed down in the family but everyone wishes never existed!!! Still interested in finding out about these High St. addresses as well.....

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 10:34 am

Almost forgot - thanks for the info Harry. Could you tell me where you got the info regarding the 2 Tinkhams during jury selection?? Wonder if they were not selected because they were relatives...

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 12:16 pm

deborahs, the info on the Tinkhams at the trial is from the Knowlton Papers, HK205, pages 214-217. These pages list all the potential jurors that were called for possible service on the trial.

David B. Tinkham, from Easton, was questioned as a potential juror. This is from the Trial, part I, page 24:

"DAVID B. TINKHAM, Easton.

Not related to the parties; had formed an opinion, but thought it would not prevent a candid judgment.

Q. Have you any opinions that would preclude you from finding a defendant guilty of an offence punishable with death?
A. I have.

Excused."

The second Tinkham, first name of Otis, was from New Bedford. He was not questioned as they had reached the number of necessary jurors before he could be called.

As for the trunks, in addition to the ones in the cellar there were some in the attic and also in the large clothes press opposite Lizzie's room where the dresses were kept. There's quite a few references to trunks throughout the trial, being opened and examined, etc.

I've never see 1890s photos of the cellar and there is no official record that I know of that lists any.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:26 pm

Good luck trying to find pictures of the inside of Maplecroft!
That may take you the rest of your lifetime, but we will be waiting, all gray-haired and jowly.

Is there any proof that this trunk ever went to Europe?
Are there stickers on it or something, for Italy?
Otherwise it could just be a storage type trunk.
Maybe researching the types of trunks that went on long voyages would be helpful.
Maybe they had flat tops for stacking? Maybe you will find this trunk was not suitable for that- that kind of thing.

Harry, do you find High Street interesecting with French?
I had a heck of a time trying to find that- can you confirm?

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:39 pm

Kat @ Thu Mar 23, 2006 2:26 pm wrote:
Harry, do you find High Street interesecting with French?
I had a heck of a time trying to find that- can you confirm?

Yes it does intersect with French. As you come down the front steps of Maplcroft and turn right, it's two blocks. I believe the first block is Belmont. High is the next one over.

Where's our Fall Riverites?

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 4:16 pm

From Kat's reaction I gather there are no existing photos of the inside of Maplecroft..... (I'm new to this so forgive me for making naive statements!) Guess I assumed Maplecroft would now be a "landmark" site as is the original home.... So far, I have gathered more information on this forum than I was able to elsewhere. Wonder what type of records would be available - maybe archived property records - where one can find the names of the previous owners at specific addresses. I still think the link to gathering this information would be to find out which Brayton woman travelled with Lizzy on the trip as well as finding out who, during that time period, resided at those High St addresses.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 5:17 pm

You would need Fall River City Directory information.
The Fall River Public Library reference section will be able to give you the address for the full name you give them, if you give them also a year.
Keep in mind that the previous years information is in the current years book.
Meaning- If you want someone specifically at an address in 1927 you would probably look in the 1928 directory- if you see what I mean.
That's if you start with a name.
Some Directories I think, also list by street. I don't know if the Massachusetts one did that in the past.

ph#508-324-2700 Dan. Either Dan.

If it's a quick question they may answer over the phone. But if their answer sparks another question leading onwards, then they probably will want it submitted in writing. I'm not sure if they take e-mail requests.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 5:27 pm

I saved a pic of your trunk and see that it is flat-topped. Then I looked at the one displayed as being owned by Pete Peterson out of Lizzie's Second Street house.
He calls it a "steamer" so that's a good sign I think.
I drew it. It was in black and white, tho.
It differs from yours in ways in which I pointed out in my drawing.
But they are very similar
But, who's to say he had Lizzie's trunk and who's to say that Lizzie did not have more than 1 trunk. And who's to say Lizzie didn't take lots of trunks to Europe?
Hope this helps.

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Thu Mar 23, 2006 10:58 pm

I'm lost here Kat. Who is Pete Peterson and how did he acquire a Lizzy trunk?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:45 am

His story ended up as Arnold Brown's book, from what I gather.
He is Ellan Egan's grandson-in-law or something.

Let me make it more simple:

Pete Peterson married Ellan Eagan's granddaughter., Dorothy Hawthorne.

Do you know about Brown's book?
(I shudder to ask)<<>>>

Anyway, Lizbeth supposedly knew his own mother and gave his mother her trunk.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 4:52 am

Found several months ago that there were two penciled addresses on a couple areas of the trunk, one being 162 High St. and the other being 301 High St.

--deborahs

I think those might be old house numbers from before the address changes in 1896.
I checked the 1910 census because I knew of a family name who lived on High Street at that time and checked forward and backward thru the pages once I settled on High Street.
The numbers were all larger than the 162 and 301 that you found penciled inside your trunk.

I'm not sure what name you are looking for on High Street.
Unless I have a name, I can't check High Street previous to 1910 because my guy wasn't there in 1900.

For 1910 I found:
784 High Street= Besttis (?)
772 = Lindsay
764 = Franklin
754 = Barker
736 = Grove
716 = Milne
715 = Hood
747= Remington
765= Tuttle
777= Brown (?)
787= Mathewson
807= Durfee

That's all I found in a search thru the adjacent pages. There may be more.
Need a name tho, and remember the numbers changed a few times in Fall River.

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:52 am

I am hoping to find that the High St. addresses either belonged to someone in the Borden family or the Brayton womans family - I had read previously on one of the Borden sites that Lizzy could see her friend Sarahs house from her own home in both the front yard as well as from one of the upstairs windows. Can't recall which room upstairs was indicated. I am going to try to see if I can re-locate that information as I specifically remember it gave the "direction" that Sarahs home was from the Bordens. Thanks for the info Kat.

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 9:52 am

Does anyone know if High St would have been within view of the Second St home??

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 2:15 pm

I just received some information last night on this George W. Tinkham, who is supposed to have been a relative of Lizzy. He lived for many, many years in a 3 family home (boarding house) at 135 Chester Ave in Providence that was owned by Abraham Samuels (the friend whom he left the trunk to when he died). Was hoping that someone with knowledge of the Borden geneology may have run across a Tinkham in the family tree somewhere. I am going to be attempting to trace the Tinkham family to search for a link. Waiting on more info from the gal I purchased from to see if she can find an approximate date when this Tinkham died, etc.

Allen · Post by **Allen** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 2:55 pm

Do you have any way to check the census records, or a city directory, to see who possibly resided at that address?

Kat has posted some lovely old maps of Fall River that might answer your questions as to how near Second Street was to High Street.

viewtopic.php?t=1781

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 3:19 pm

Harry says that French intersects with High St - that from the front steps of Maplecroft it would be two blocks to the right. Where in relation to the Second Street house that would be, I do not know. (Very new to this) If my understanding is correct, the Second St property and Maplecroft were in very close proximity to each other - almost connecting if I remember correctly. If so, that would put High St near both of the homes. I was also told by Kat that over the years the street numbers changed so I am trying to find out how to go about locating where to locate that information so I can try to see if any Braytons possibly lived at one of those High St addresses. I don't recall on which site I read this but somewhere on a Borden site it was indicated that Lizzys good friend Sarah, whom she took the Europe trip with, lived close enough that Lizzy was able to see her home from her front yard as well as from one of the upstairs rooms - I'm pretty sure this reference was to the Second Street house, not Maplecroft. Will look at Kats maps and see what I can find out there as well.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 3:55 pm

deborahs @ Sat Mar 25, 2006 3:19 pm wrote:Harry says that French intersects with High St - that from the front steps of Maplecroft it would be two blocks to the right. Where in relation to the Second Street house that would be, I do not know. (Very new to this) If my understanding is correct, the Second St property and Maplecroft were in very close proximity to each other - almost connecting if I remember correctly. If so, that would put High St near both of the homes.

No, Maplecroft and 92 Second Street are a good distance from each other. Lizzie at the time of the Europe trip lived at 92 Second. I doubt if she could see any portion of High St. from there.

As I said, High Street is two streets west of Maplecroft which is on French St. What houses she would be able to see would have depended on what other houses and trees blocked her view. The number would be limited in any case. High Street runs north and south while French runs east and west.

I've never read of Lizzie having Sarah Brayton as a friend when she and Emma moved to Maplecroft. This would have been after the trial when Lizzie began what Radin so aptly called "The Blight", ie: when her social exclusion began.

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 5:23 pm

Sorry Harry. I misunderstood what you said regarding the location of the addresses. I'll have to look back at some of the reading I did last night regarding both property locations as I am sure I read that both of those properties almost connected eachother.. will let you know where I got that info from. I'm positive that the references I found regarding Lizzy being able to see her friends home from her own property was in relation to the Second Street house. Kind of hard for me to sort out alot of information I get on the net when it comes down to accuracy. I find one site says one thing and another says something else. Last night I watched - think it was the Travel Channel - where they had a segment on the Bed & Breakfast. gave information regarding the murders and supposed hauntings now of that property. I noticed a few descrepencies in what they said were the events that occured on the day of the murders as well as how the murders were committed - kind of hard for me to get consistent info with regard to alot of things....

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 6:36 pm

Your best bets are going to be the maps, the FRHS, the Library and here. The FRHS and the Library may be able to expand your search thru local anecdotes which we may not be able to do here- once you get City Directory info from them.

But first it might help if you spell these names correctly: it's Lizzie Borden or Lizbeth Borden.
This will help your search and will help if you do any census searchs as Missy suggested.

nbcatlover · Post by **nbcatlover** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 9:47 pm

ISRAEL (2) BRAYTON, son of John and Sarah (BOWERS) BRAYTON, was born in Somerset, Massachusetts, on the Brayton homestead, July 29, 1792. He spent his entire life there, and died November 5, 1866. In early life, however, he had for a time resided in Swansea and Fall River, and although he returned to the Homestead Farm on the death of his father, he retained his associations in these places. He continued his membership in the Central Congregational Church of Fall River, and was one of its most regular attendants. The "Fall River News," of November 9, 1866, describes the funeral services of Israel BRAYTON and pays tribute to him as a man:
"It was a scene long to be remembered, as the family and friends gathered around the grave on that serene and most beautiful Indian summer morning, and united with bowed heads and sympathizing hearts in the simple, heartfelt and deeply impressive prayer which was there offered; and we could but feel how grand a lesson is taught us when a good man is called from earth to heaven; a man who has filled the measure of his days in his Master’s service, and whose memory will be cherished by his friends and kindred as among the best of earthly treasures."
Israel BRAYTON married, August 19, 1813, Keziah ANTHONY, daughter of David and Submit (WHEELER) ANTHONY, they the parents of nine children. Keziah (ANTHONY) BRAYTON was the last to reside permanently upon the Homestead Farm, where she died October 24, 1880, aged eight-nine years. She was a direct descendant of John ANTHONY, one of the pioneer settlers of Rhode Island, who came from England in the year 1634. The Anthony family was prominent in Rhode Island affairs, and had become allied with many of the important families of the colony. Israel and Keziah (ANTHONY) BRAYTON were the parents of the following children:

Mary, born in Foxboro, Massachusetts, May 9, 1814; married (first), in 1842, Major Bradford DURFEE, of Fall River, who died in 1843, leaving one son, Bradford Matthew Chaloner DURFEE, born June 15, 1843, died, unmarried, in 1872. His mother gave in his memory the B.M.C. Durfee High School in the city of Fall River. She married (second), in 1851, the Rev. Jeremiah S YOUNG, who died in 1861. She died in Fall River, March 22, 1891.

William Bowers, born in Swansea, April 6, 1816; married Hannah Turner LAWTON, of Tiverton, Rhode Island.
Nancy Jarrett Bowers, married Daniel CHASE, and their only child died in infancy.
Elizabeth Anthony, married Rev. Roswell Dwight HITCHCOCK, and they were the parents of the following children: Roswell, Mary B, Harriet W, and Bradford W.
David Anthony, born in Swansea, April 2, 1824, died August 20, 1881; married Nancy R JENCKES, of Fall River.
John Summerfield, born in Swansea, December 3, 1826; married Sarah J TINKHAM, of Middleboro, Massachusetts. Israel Perry, born in Swansea, May 24, 1829, married Parthenia GARDNER, of Swansea.
Hezekiah Anthony, mentioned below

FROM: The Rhode Island Reading Room
RE: Brayton Family

SEE: http://www.rootsweb.com/~rigenweb/brayton.html
for complete article

According to another source, the above Sarah Jane Tinkham married Mr. Brayton in 1855, so she seems too old to be Lizzie's travel companion.

Check out: http://www.lib.umassd.edu/reference/sti ... vollW.html
It shows 252 High Street (definitely a good neighborhood).

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 10:56 pm

Thanks Cynthia! That's great stuff!
Are these *rich* Braytons?
I think the BMCDurfee (ne Brayton) were really rich?

nbcatlover · Post by **nbcatlover** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 11:31 pm

Probably.

John Summerfield Brayton & Sarah Tinkham had a son named John Summerfield Brayton Jr. who went to Philips Academy, graduated Amherst in 1888, then attended Harvard Law School 1888-91. Don't know who he married or if he had a sister who might have been Lizzie's travel companion.

Did also find a John Summerfield Brayton III who married a Helen Gifford.

It's always easier to find the men of this period. The women become invisible.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 5:17 am

I found a Mary Brayton as Head of Household in the 1920 census at #169 Belmont Street. As Harry says, Belmont was the closest intersecting street to French Street.
She was Female, White, Single and 71 years old.
She only had a servant living with her: Mary Gooley (?), Single White Female, 55 years of age.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 5:20 am

Also in 1920 I found a Frank W. Shove as Head of Household at #194 Belmont Street. He was 61 and his wife Clara L. was 59.
I didn't see children, but I didn't look any further.
What does "Shove" have to do with the case? Remind me someone?

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 8:06 am

Ellen "Nellie" Shove was one of the young woman that went to Europe with Lizzie on the 1890 trip.

This is from Rebello, p21+:

"Profile: Ellen "Nellie" M. Shove was born in Fall River in August 1851. She was the daughter of Charles O. Shove and Rachel E. Shove. Mr. Shove was an agent and treasurer of the Granite Mills and president of Shove Mills. Miss Shove attended school in Fall River and graduated from the Fall River High School. She was an active member at the First Baptist Church in Fall River and for many years, she was in charge of Bible classes. She served as secretary of the board at the Children's Home in Fall River. Miss Ellen M. Shove died in Fall River on July 1, 1932. She was survived by two sisters: Mrs. Edward Brooks and Miss Mary E. Shove of Fall River. Miss Ellen Shove was buried in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery."

deborahs · Post by **deborahs** » Sun Mar 26, 2006 6:18 pm

I agree - Sarah would have been too old. I'm waiting to her from the gal I got the trunk from. She is supposed to be checking on some family info for me to track down when her grandfather, Abraham Samuels had this 3 family home that George Tinkham was a tenent at a well as try to find info that will let me narrow down the George W. Tinkhams and make sure I have the right guy. From there I can go back in the family tree to locate a Borden connection, hopefully. The home he lived in was apparantly on 135 Chester in Providence. Thanks for the above information. That should be a world of help when I get a little more info from this gal. VERY extensive - I wish we had that type of info available when researching our own family tree a few years ago...

Lizzie Borden Society Forum

Lizzy's Geneology

Lizzy's Geneology

John Summerfield Brayton married Tinkham