“Lizzie Borden took an axe. She gave her mother 40 whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father 41.” Does this sound familiar? The popular yet disturbing children’s rhyme stems from the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. Lizzie Borden, the prime suspect in the murder, and daughter of the victims, went down in history as a bitter, jealous spinster who took out her rage on her parents. But did she really do it? After all, she was a godly, charitable woman who taught Sunday school and partook in local women’s charities. Though there is no way of knowing for sure what took place on that fateful August morning, many believe Lizzie was the culprit.

The Borden household consisted of Andrew Borden, a wealthy businessman, his wife, Abby Borden, his daughters Lizzie and Emma Borden, and the family’s maid, Bridget Sullivan.

Andrew married his first wife, and the mother of his children, Sarah, in 1845. The Borden family was struck by tragedy several times beginning with the death of their middle daughter, Alice, and then by Sarah’s death. Two years after Sarah’s death, Andrew married his new wife, Abby. Abby came from a working-class background, making the marriage unusual. Many believed that Abby was interested solely in Andrew’s wealth.

It’s alleged that Lizzie and Emma were jealous of the wealth that Andrew would share with Abby and her family but would hold back from them. Many believe that Lizzie’s resentment towards her parents is a significant enough motive for her to commit murder. But could a sweet Sunday school teacher pull off such an act?

The morning of the murder, the family was ill from what was believed to be food poisoning. Despite this, Bridget woke up early as usual and prepared breakfast for the family. Lizzie, however, was too ill to eat and stayed in bed. After breakfast, Bridget started her chores outside and Andrew went to work. At 11 a.m., Andrew returned home as he was feeling unwell, and took a nap on the couch. During this time, Lizzie claimed she was in the barn. When she came back inside, she said she was met with her father’s mutilated body. He suffered 11 axe wounds to the skull. Abby’s body was found next lying face down in the bedroom. She was struck by an axe 18 times. Her blood was dried, meaning her murder took place about two hours prior to Andrew’s.

Why do people think Lizzie did it? There is significant circumstantial evidence. She had the motive of money and jealousy. She was the only other one in the home at the time (Bridget was outside, and Emma was out of town). She was seen burning a dress a few days after the murder, which many believe could be the dress she wore when she committed the crime. There were no signs of forced entry. It didn’t look good for Lizzie.

However, the jury acquitted her because there was no physical evidence against her. With no other significant suspects, many believe to this day that Lizzie got away with murder. Her home, which is now a museum, was once the sight of children throwing eggs at her windows and reciting the eerie playground rhyme many still know today. Whether or not Lizzie was an innocent Sunday school teacher or a cold-blooded murderer is something we can never know for sure.

Hi! My name is Kayleigh Vantour. I am a Professional Writing Student at Algonquin College. I love cats, the colour pink, fashion, and writing. When I am not in school or at work, I enjoy hanging out with friends and thrifting. I am excited to be a part of this blog, as I have always had an interest in history, particularly its darker side. I am looking forward to exploring some of history’s creepiest, most disturbing events with you!