Lizzie Borden Society Forum

Looking for information on Jackson, MI for another thread I searched my files for the word Jackson. To say the least it occurs many times in the Borden case.

I had always thought that Dr. Handy had simply let the girls use the cottage in Marion for their fishing trip. However, these lines in the Aug. 7th, 1892 Boston Globe show something slightly different.

"Dr. Handy's cottage had been hired by Mrs. James H. Jackson, who is chaperoning Misses Mary and Annie Holmes, Miss Remington, Miss Brazer, Miss Johnson and Miss Louise Handy, all of Fall River, during the summer season there."

The middle initial is mistakenly shown as H whereas it should be F. Mrs. Jackson was the wife of the former mayor of FR James F. Jackson. He later became a lawyer in the firm of Jackson & Slade and represented the Fish and Whitehead families in looking into Abby's possible estate.

This was in the NY Times of September 10, 1893:

"At one time the Borden girls were menaced with more law. Mrs. Borden's two sisters, Mrs. Fitch [sic] of this city and Mrs. Whitehead of Hartford [sic], imagined they ought to receive and were entitled to some part of their sister's estate. They consulted Messrs. Jackson and Slade, the lawyers of this city."

It's not of any importance but I did find the Jackson's involvement interesting.

That is interesting. I never knew that Lizzie and Emma ever went out of the state of Mass (other than Lizzies Europe trip) for anything. I always thought they went to the farm in Swansea.

Guess I learned something. Thanks, Harry!!

Reading this over again I have a question. If Louise Handy was part of the party of ladies, does that imply that the others chipped in for expenses, but she wouldn't be expected to?
It's kind of strange- that the item says the chaperone hired the cottage.
I wonder if Dr. Handy moonlighted as a landlord, or just accommodated friends?

Interesting item, Har!

Snokkums, we have seen that Lizzie did go places.
Len Rebello's book Lizzie Borden Past & Present gave references for Lizzie going to Europe, Marion, Mass., Westport, New Bedford, Newport, Providence, Boston, Tyngsboro, Taunton, Somerset, Dedham, Worcester, New York, Washington, D.C. and the Chicago Exposition.[Edit here:] Oh, and Swansey.
In The Hatchet first issue, I had collected these places and was published as "Lizzie Got Around."

That's very interesting that you bring that name up Harry! I haven't gotten to check the forum for a few days because I've been pretty busy with some other things I have going on. But I have been rereading Rebello in the past few days, and have seen that name several times myself in regards to the girls spending time at the cottage and being aboard the Mabel F. Swift. I had written down several of the names which are listed in order to possibly find out more information about them. It seems that almost all of the ladies who accompanied Lizzie on these outings were school teachers. If I come across any information on Mrs. Jackson I will be sure and post it here.

As to Mrs. Jackson renting the cottage for the young ladies- it was mostly decorum. A chaperone for unmarried ladies away from home was a must. An unmarried lady seeking to rent a place on her own would cause gentle clucking of impropriety back at home. It might imply a love nest! Clandestine rendez-vous and all sorts of naughtiness. Young ladies went about in pairs or better yet, in small groups accompanied by an older married lady or chaperone. Married older women were choice material for these excursions as they were naturally acquainted with the "baser nature" of men and all their seductive charms, wise in the ways of the world, and maternally protective of their innocent charges. Miss Cox of Taunton (perhaps an older spinster) went with the "girls" on the Grand Tour. Reputation was everything for a girl, and no man of position would take a bride of dubious background and scandalous behavior. I expect today, Victorians would have a heartattack, apoplexy and drop down dead at the "goings on" of modern girls.

Yup that's true! Modern people may not know about those social niceties.

But as for Louise Handy being part of the trip and hire of the cottage- that part I don't get.

Perhaps with Louise as part of the group to hire her father's cottage, she was able to get the girls a cheaper price on the rental? Was Louise a schoolteacher also, did she have her own money? Or, was she dependent on her father still?

Knowlton Papers, Glossary

HANDY, BENJAMIN JONES 1849 - 1929: born in Marion, Massachusetts, son of Frederick Plummer and Sylvia Grace (Berry) Handy. Educated in public schools in his native town as well as Middleborough, Massachusetts, he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School in 1871. He maintained a successful practice in Fall River, Massachusetts, from 1874 to 1913, when he returned to Marion. He married Miss Susan E. Holmes. Active in several professional organizations, he held memberships in both the Fall River and Massachusetts Medical Societies. Having retired from practice, he died in his native city. A 'witness at both the preliminary and final trials, he gave testimony pertaining to a man he observed in the vicinity of the Borden residence.

Since Handy married a Susan Holmes, and his daughter Louise was part of the party, and 2 Holmes girls are as well, Mary and Annie, I have a feeling they did not hire the cottage. It's possible they hired the chaperone, tho!

Many , if not most little towns and villages published in their local newspaper every single tidbit of society news they could dig up. It makes for amusing reading to learn "Miss Carrie Snodgrass is visiting Mattapoisett for a fortnight with her Aunt, Mrs. Hortense DeWitt. There was a jolly theatre party last evening where the ladies were accompanied by Miss Hepzibah Clarke and her sister Miss Esther Clarke of East Bridgewater. Mrs. DeWitt will be sponsoring a charity musicale for the benefit of the Methodist Home for Girls next Tuesday at the Music Hall. Reknown baritone vocalist, Mr. Otto Von Smerck. will perform selections from Der Glockenspiel accompanied on pianoforte by Miss Carrie Snodgrass".. etc.
So, if only in print , one wanted to appear proper, beyond reproach, and conforming to the strict regulations of propriety which society of that era imposed- especially upon women.

I always joke with Harry that they even published when a family would be out of town, where they were going and for how long! I thought that was a certain invitation to burglars!

But: It has also been said that a good girl only gets her name in the paper upon birth, marriage and death- so how to figure that one!?

Oh, that is so true, the exception is getting a mention for charitable works, and in high society, a mention for attending or hosting socially desirable events.

The downside of being in the social section of the papers is that everyone knew what you were "up to" and with whom and when. For those who craved attention, this was desirable, for social climbers, it was necessary, but I suspect for many average folks, it was tiresome having one's comings and goings noted down in the newspapers for the perusal of the masses. It's the same today. Poor Brad Pitt was nearly crushed Sunday by an adoring throng. Those that would rather not have publicity, get it, while those who crave it have to resort to all sorts of things to get in the papers. Mostly, I think with so much more time at home on their hands, people were "nosier" and took a great interest in what their neighbors were doing. Vicarious pleasure seeing who was going where. I suspect Lizzie loved that she was in the paper going on "the Grand Tour"-sounded like the society girls on The Hill!

Yes! And I don't like to say it, but I think Lizzie didn't mind getting her name in the paper for everything she did!
It may be why she stayed in Fall River.

So were Mrs. Churchill, and Mrs. Dr. Kelley and Mrs. Dr. Bowen interested in the goings-on at the Borden house? After all, pre-murders, Andrew Borden had a famous (Fall River) last name and was relatively rich? I mean, they may have wished to appear to not be nosey, but I agree there wasn't much else to do- and they all did live so close.
Look at Southard Miller! He says he wanted to stay out of the mess but we fnd he spent the murder day over in the Borden yard talking to men.

Human nature is entertaining. Try switching off your cell phone, radio, stereo, blackberry, iphone, television, Walkman, MP3player, portable CD and DVD player, telephone and computer for ONE DAY.
What's left is a good book to read, the newspaper, and your friends and neighbors to talk to and observe.
I used to be an avid letter writer and took great pains with penmanship, the right pen and ink, sealing wax, etc. -now I am so computer lazy that email is often a chore. I'm not so sure what we have today is PROGRESS. All this electronic wizardry has left us somewhat de-humanized. My humble opinion on my soapbox . . . .

I have always written letters and in fact in the past few weeks have written 2 "7 pagers" including photos!

I often go a whole day with no computer or TV and I never listen to the radio even in the car.

I also like the beach and no music there either.

But do we think the Borden's neighbors were more nosey than they let on? I mean, Mrs. Dr. Bowen seemed to be running over to Abbie's at different times. Why else, other to get news. I think Mrs. Churchill was probably busier, what with all those beds to make!

[quote="Kat @ Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:48 am"]
But do we think the Borden's neighbors were more nosey than they let on?

Oh I am sure the neighbors were plenty nosey-and some not too shy about chiming in. Just look at all the people who popped up to say they saw various "strange men", shutters closing, strange carriages, etc etc. Even people who were not anywhere near the house on the morning of the murder had plenty to say. Even as recently as the 1950's people would pull up a peach basket and pass the time of day sociably- not to mention porch chitchat. Even Bridget was not immune - look at her trotting right over to chat up Mary Doolan. I would LOVE to have had an ear in on that conversation. I bet Mary Doolan could have related many Bridget comments about what went on in #92 and I wish the police had given her a good grilling!
Congratulations on being still a letter writer, Kat. Between email and Hallmark cards, I am ashamed to say how very little I do by way of personal correspondence now. Seems like the more "timesavers" we have, the less time I have and the more I seem to have to do with all my "free time".

"Timesavers!"

You do plenty! My gosh you do more than several people combined!

You know how Mrs. Churchil purportedly said *Oh do I have to speak about my neighbors? I don't like to speak about my neighbors.* (paraphrased)- I think she meant to outsiders.

Hehehe...The hypocrisy... esp in Victorian times. The rules are you mustn't gossip, even tho everyone does. You can pretty much live the life you want as long as you don't get caught doing something improper.

Well, some believe Mrs. Churchill at face value there. She gets credit for not being a gossip. But I never could understand that- I mean- human nature- as was referred to- yes! And her kitchen window was only like 20 feet from the Borden dining room windows!
Which daughters of these neighbors talked to which author a generation later?

Here's the 1880 U.S. Census for James F. Jackson of Fall River:

Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
Ester COPELAND Self W Female W 49 RI Keeping House CT MA
Susie COPELAND Dau S Female W 17 MA At Home MA RI
Albert L. WARD Other S Male W 33 ... Artist --- ---
Henry PORTER Other S Male W 32 ... Boot & Shoe Dealer --- ---
Albert E. BOSWORTH Other S Male W 30 MA Clerk Cotton Mill MA MA
Mary SHEFFIELD Other S Female W 29 MA School Teacher MA MA
James F. JACKSON Other S Male W 27 MA Lawyer --- ---
Rufus BASSETT Other S Male W 26 MA Mill Clerk --- ---
Mary JARNEGAN Other S Female W 23 ... Sevant --- ---
Jenny S. EDSON Other S Female W 22 ... School Teacher --- ---
Jennette E. LAGHTON Other S Female W 22 NY Servant --- ---

He seems to be single and living in a boarding house at this time.

Here's his blurb from Political Graveyard
http://politicalgraveyard.com/bio/jacks ... #S6019IL7X

Jackson, James Frederick (1851-1937) — of Fall River, Bristol County, Mass.; Winchester, Middlesex County, Mass. Born in Taunton, Bristol County, Mass., November 13, 1851. Lawyer; mayor of Fall River, Mass., 1890-91. Congregationalist. Member, American Bar Association. Died in 1937. Burial location unknown

There seems to be a discrepancy in his age between the two (if born in 1851 (he would be 28 or 29 depending on the month). However, none of this gives any insight about his wife. It's interesting that he was Mayor so short a time before the murders. It looks like mayoral terms were only 1 year back then.

The Marion cottage would seem to be a good fit. From his memorial speech for Henry King Braley, Jackson talks about sailing:

For many years it was my delight in summer vacation to cruise along the coast in a small yawl with Simeon Borden so well known as Clerk of Courts for Bristol County. One afternoon while sailing from Newport to Nantucket we put into Edgartown. The next morning we called upon Justice Braley at his summer home and found that an associate Justice was his guest...

http://www.massreports.com/memorials/275ma586.htm

I don't remember seeing the name "Miss Brazer" as a guest at the cottage before. Shouldn't it be "Frazer"?

Interesting articles, Harry!

Do you know the address of this Jackson census?

Thanks for all the info!

According to information found on this link:

History of Fall River / prepared under the direction of a committee of prominent citizens appointed by His Honor Mayor John T. Coughlin by Henry M. Fenner, A. B., assisted by Benjamin Buffinton. -- New York : F. T. Smiley Publishing Co., 1906.
364 p. : ill., ports. ; 28 cm.
Contents:

Chapter XVIII. Biographical Sketches of Well-Known Fall River Men, Past and Present, p. 160-258. (18,743K)


http://www.sailsinc.org/durfee/fulltext.htm

Mr. Jacksons wife was a "Miss Caroline S. Thurston, whose father was Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., an honored pastor of the Central Congregational Church." That's about all I've found so far for Mrs. Jackson. Sorry, it's not much.

Thanks so much for Mrs.' name, Allen! For some reason, it seems familiar. Now it's time for me to do somemore digging.

Hi, Allen. A trip thru the Archives showed she was mentioned in Rebello, p. 64. I probably read the info there, but it didn't register until the information was presented in a different context. Rebello mentions Miss Edith Jackson, the 9-year-old daughter of Caroline and James as part of the Marion group.

Also in the archive was an article Kat posted about a Military Ball Lizzie attended. A private named "Thurston" was part of the receiving line.

There might be Thurston info in that History of the CCC by Mrs. Holmes et al.
I don't have that. I wish I did.

I have found a listing for Mrs. Jackson's father, the Reverend Thurston. The listing is a death record for Eli Thurston of Fall River with the deceased having passed in the year 1869. There is a birth record listed for Caroline S. Thurston which lists the years she was born as 1859, and the city of birth as Fall River.

Amherst College Biorgraphy of Rev. Thurston:

389. *Thurston, Eli. S. of Eli and Frances (Burrill), b. Brighton, Je. 1808. D. D., A. C., 1866.
Prepared Day's Acad., Wrentham. Andover T. S., 1834-35; studied with Rev. Jacob Ide, Medway, 1835-37; ordained Hallowell, Me., Jan. 3, 1838; p. there, 1838-48; Central Ch. Fall River, 1848-69. D. Fall River, D. 19, 1869.

Married (1) Je. 20, 1838, M. Caroline, da. of Philo Sanford, Wareham, who d. N., 1852; (2) Jan. 24, 1854, Julia, da. of Samuel Sessions, Westminster, Vt. 5 ch. Thatcher T. (A. C. 1881).

Source: http://www.amherst.edu/~rjyanco94/genea ... thurston-e

In researching the Thurstons last night, I came across an interesting story of an axe murder committed by a John Metcalf Thurston (I don't know of any relationship that exists to our Fall River Thurstons at this time), but it's an interesting (and short) read of a horrific crime.

See: http://www.griffingweb.com/the_trial_of ... urston.htm

I realized that I forgot to give my source for the birth and death dates for Caroline S. Thurston and Eli Thurston. But this is where I get most of my vital statistic information.

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/arc/arcidx.htm

Thurston Caroline S. Fall River 1859 123 107 Birth

Thurston Eli Fall River 1869 220 114 Death

Thanks for the links nb, very interesting stuff.