Emma Borden, the elder sister of the prime suspect in the infamous 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, lived a tumultuous life filled with family strife and suspicion. As the daughter of an eighth-generation elite-society man and with her biological mother passing away at a young age, Emma and her sister Lizzie had a strained relationship with their father and stepmother, often arguing over property inheritance. These arguments were believed to be the motive behind the brutal murders. While both sisters were suspected of the crimes, Emma stood by Lizzie’s side during the trial. Choosing a life of seclusion and never marrying, both sisters lived in solitude until their deaths, with Emma passing away shortly after Lizzie.
Quick Facts
- Died At Age: 76
- Family: father: Andrew Jackson Borden, mother: Sarah Anthony Borden, siblings: Lizzie Borden
- Died on: June 10, 1927
- U.S. State: Massachusetts
- American Women
Birth & Early Life
Emma Lenore Borden was born on March 1, 1851, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her parents were Sarah Morse and Andrew Borden, and she was the oldest of her three siblings. Emma came from a wealthy family, as her father was the president of a major bank and owned several properties. She was raised in a religious household and was a devoted Christian, attending the Central Congregational Church. Emma’s mother passed away when she was 12 years old, and she became a mother-figure to her younger sister, Lizzie.
The Murders & the Trial
Emma and Lizzie had a tumultuous relationship with their stepmother, Abby, and their father, Andrew. Arguments over property inheritance were believed to be a major source of conflict. Prior to the murders, Andrew had gifted a portion of his real estate to Abby’s family, which led Emma and Lizzie to demand their share. They eventually received the home they were living in, but tensions remained. A few weeks before the murders, the sisters bought a rental property from their father for a dollar and later sold it back to him for $5,000.
In July 1892, after a family argument, Emma and Lizzie went on vacation to New Bedford. Emma returned a week before the murders, while Lizzie stayed at a local rooming house for four days before coming back. The night before the murders, their maternal uncle, John Vinnicum Morse, visited their home to discuss business matters with Andrew. It is speculated that an argument over property transfer may have occurred.
Lizzie was the prime suspect in the murders, but there were accounts suggesting that Emma could have been the real murderer. However, there is no evidence to support this theory. Emma never displayed discontentment in her life and seemed happy. While there are conflicting accounts of her whereabouts at the time of the murders, it was later revealed that she had visited friends and was informed of the tragedy through a telegram. During the trial, it was also revealed that Emma was in love with a man of lower status, which her father opposed. This was considered a possible motive for Emma’s alleged hatred towards her parents.
Emma supported Lizzie throughout the trials and spent their family fortune to prove Lizzie’s innocence. Lizzie was eventually acquitted, but she faced rejection from the Fall River society. Emma decided to move away from the neighborhood and never saw Lizzie again.
Death
Emma lived an isolated life in Newmarket, New Hampshire. She died on June 10, 1927, due to chronic nephritis, just nine days after her sister Lizzie passed away from pneumonia. The Borden sisters were buried side by side at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River. At the time of her death, Emma’s net worth was $450,000, most of which she had donated to charity.
Trivia
The brutal murder of Emma’s parents was the subject of the 1975 TV film “The Legend of Lizzie Borden,” with Elizabeth Montgomery portraying Lizzie and Katherine Helmond playing Emma.