Lizzie Borden Society Forum

I imagine most of us take the preparation of our last will & testament very seriously....carefully making sure each word conveys the meaning and intent that one is desiring.

So it is interesting how Lizzie worded her recognition of Emma in her will. Text is below. Referencing Andrew as "her" father vs. "our" father could very well mean nothing, but I suspect is very intentional and purposeful. My initial thought is that it is somehow related to their estrangement.

Pure speculation, but perhaps in their 'final' arguments, Emma referenced Andrew as "her" father as part of recalling the events of August 4. 20+ years later, maybe Lizzie still hadn't forgotten that comment. Food for thought......

Lizzie A. Borden Last Will & Testament:
28. I have not given my sister, Emma L Borden, anything as she had her share of her father's estate and is supposed to have enough to make her comfortable.

As an aside, Emma left Lizzie her half of Maplecroft or $1,000 if she no longer held the 50% share of Maplecroft at her death.

Emma also left $1,000 to Andrew Jennings (will was updated in 1922 while Jennings was alive, he passed in 1923). In the will, Emma thanks Andrew for helping her, Andrew and Abby, but Lizzie is not mentioned. This omission might mean nothing, or, perhaps it does mean something.

It’s interesting Emma mentioned Abby.