Lizzie Borden

Lizzie Borden died on June 1, 1927, at the age of 66. The cause of death was pneumonia, which she contracted after gallbladder surgery. On the day of her death, Borden’s 76-year-old sister, Emma Borden, reportedly fell and broke her hip. She died on June 10 of chronic kidney disease.

Lizzie Borden was suspected of brutally murdering her father and stepmother with a hatchet on August 4, 1892. Her trial the following year was a national sensation in the United States. While the circumstantial case against Borden was strong, there was a lack of conclusive physical evidence, and she was ultimately acquitted. Despite that verdict, Borden was ostracized in her hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts. Nevertheless, she continued to live in the town, soon moving into a palatial home called Maplecroft. She remained there until her death in 1927 at age 66.

Nance O’Neil was a celebrated actress, especially known for her portrayal of tragic characters in the early 1900s. She often drew comparisons to legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt. O’Neil also had a close but brief friendship with Lizzie Borden that some later speculated—without proof—was romantic in nature.

O’Neil was born Gertrude Lamson in 1874 and grew up in California. She developed an interest in acting at an early age and made her professional debut in San Francisco in 1893. She later toured the country, and in 1909 she landed her first major role in New York City, playing a heartbroken spinster in The Lily. O’Neil earned arguably the best reviews of her career in 1920 for her performance in The Passion Flower. She also appeared in a number of Shakespearean plays and was cast in the title role in Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler.

While on tour in Boston in 1904, O’Neil met Lizzie Borden, who had been acquitted of murdering her father and stepmother in 1893. The two women developed a close relationship. Borden entertained O’Neil and other actors at her Maplecroft mansion in Fall River, Massachusetts. In addition, there were reports that Borden provided financial assistance to O’Neil. Some later speculated that their relationship was sexual, though the claim was never substantiated. In 1905 Lizzie and her older sister, Emma, had a falling out, and Emma left Maplecroft. Some believe the dispute was caused by Emma’s disapproval of O’Neil. The sisters remained estranged until their deaths. Lizzie and O’Neil also drifted apart as the actress continued the tour with her theater company.

In 1916 O’Neil married Alfred Hickman. She died in 1965 at the age of 90.

Lizzie Borden was accused of killing two people: her father and stepmother, Andrew and Abby Borden. Both were struck repeatedly with a hatchet on August 4, 1892. The circumstantial case against Lizzie was strong. She reportedly disliked her stepmother, often argued with her wealthy father about money, and was worried about her inheritance. Lizzie was also home when both murders occurred, giving her the opportunity. However, there was a lack of physical evidence, and the jury ultimately found her not guilty. Nevertheless, many people believe that Lizzie committed both murders.

The house where Lizzie Borden’s parents were murdered is located at 230 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. (Originally 92 Second Street, the address was later changed.) It is now a bed and breakfast. After Borden was acquitted, she bought a house at 7 (now 306) French Street in Fall River. The palatial home, known as Maplecroft, featured seven bedrooms and six fireplaces.

There is no evidence that Lizzie Borden was ever involved in a romantic relationship. Despite a lack of proof, however, several people have been identified as possible lovers. Some have speculated that she was involved with the family’s live-in maid, Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan. According to this theory, the two women were discovered by Lizzie’s stepmother, Abby Borden, and Lizzie killed her in 1892. Bridget was then involved in a cover-up.

Others have alleged that Lizzie was romantically involved with the actress Nance O’Neil. The two met in 1904, while Nance was on tour in Boston. They developed a close relationship, and Lizzie entertained Nance and other actors at her Maplecroft mansion in Fall River, Massachusetts. In addition, there were reports that Lizzie provided financial assistance to Nance. In 1905 Lizzie and her older sister, Emma, had a falling out, and Emma left Maplecroft. Some believe the dispute was caused by Emma’s disapproval of Nance. Lizzie and Nance also drifted apart as the actress continued the tour with her theater company.

Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother, Andrew and Abby Borden, were struck repeatedly with a hatchet. Andrew had been hit up to 11 times, while Abby had suffered as many as 19 blows. Lizzie was arrested for the murders, but she was acquitted in 1893. The crimes inspired an enduring—and incorrect—rhyme. Notably, it claimed that Abby was struck 40 times and Andrew 41 times.

Lizzie Borden and Marilyn Monroe are reportedly distant cousins. Borden, who was acquitted of murdering her father and stepmother, and the actress shared an ancestor named Richard Borden, an Englishman who moved to Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in the 17th century. According to genealogical sites, other notable members of the family tree include British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and actress Elizabeth Montgomery.