Lizzie Borden Society Forum

Bridget gave the following testimony at the preliminary hearing:

"Q. That privy out behind the barn, was that used by any member of the family, was that in use?
A. Mr. Borden used it.
Q. Did anybodyelse besides him?
A. Mrs. Borden sometimes.
Q. Did you ever know the girls to use it?
A. No Sir."

I can see Andrew trudging out to the barn privy but not Abby. Why in the world would she go out there when there was a flush toilet in the cellar?

For some reason I just can't picture Abby in the barn at all, much less that privy.

I can't either I would think she was to lazy

That's an interesting question. Under what circumstances would Abby use the barn privy?
While she was already out in the yard? Picking up pears? How would Bridget know?
Well, if we add Bridget to the family, that's 3 girls using the inside water closet, so maybe the elders, more used to the older ways, didn't mind so much using the barn privy in decent weather?

I don't know where the idea comes that Abby was lazy? She did have a maid and 2 step-daughters so if she did wish to be lazy, she could be.

[quote="Kat @ Sun May 29, 2005 7:13 pm"]That's an interesting question. Under what circumstances would Abby use the barn privy?
While she was already out in the yard? Picking up pears? How would Bridget know?
Well, if we add Bridget to the family, that's 3 girls using the inside water closet, so maybe the elders, more used to the older ways, didn't mind so much using the barn privy in decent weather?

I don't know where the idea comes that Abby was lazy? She did have a maid and 2 step-daughters so if she did wish to be lazy, she could be.[/quote]

Would Bridget not have occasion to see Abby use the privy (assuming she did) whn Bridget would be hanging up clothes, or going to and from the barn herself, or even just looking out the kitchen windows as it happens?

People who live together just know these things.

Maybe Abby had problems with the steps and preferred to use the outdoor facilities for quick #1's?

Or unhooking and rehooking the screen door for her every time she went?

oddly enough i've thought about this. i was trying to think of how it could be that lizzie and/or whoever else -- did actually think that abby had left on an errand. then i thought of castor oil taking effect in abby and that privy out back. in general, someone might prefer that during sickness?