Borden Money
Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 11:19 pm
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/
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/
