Early Life and Family Origins
Sarah Anthony Morse Borden was born on September 19, 1823, in Somerset, Bristol County, Massachusetts. She was the third of five children born to Anthony Morse (b. 1798) and Rhoda Morrison (b. 1800). The Morse household in the mid-1820s was characterized by tight-knit New England values, with extended family ties playing a critical role in daily life.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Anthony Morse |
| Birth Date | 1823-09-19 |
| Birthplace | Somerset, Bristol County, Massachusetts |
| Parents | Anthony Morse (b.1798), Rhoda Morrison (b.1800) |
| Siblings | Frederick, Orin, William, John, Hannah |
| Family Residence | 24 Oak Street, Somerset, MA |
Sarah’s early years were marked by loss: three of her siblings died before age 10, and only she and one brother reached adulthood. This pattern of childhood mortality influenced Sarah’s later devotion to her own children.
Marriage to Andrew Jackson Borden
On December 25, 1845, at age 22, Sarah Anthony Morse married Andrew Jackson Borden (b. July 12, 1822). The ceremony took place in Fall River, Massachusetts, at the Morse family homestead. Contemporary accounts describe the wedding as modest yet affectionate, reflecting the couple’s practical sensibilities.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1845-12-25 | Marriage of Sarah Morse and Andrew J. Borden |
| 1846 | Move to 92 Second Street, Fall River, MA |
| 1848 | Establishment of Borden & Co. furniture business |
Andrew, two months older than Sarah, had already begun building a casket and furniture manufacturing enterprise. By 1850, the couple resided in a three-story brick home valued at $5,000 (equivalent to $180,000 in 2025 dollars), alongside Andrew’s unmarried sister, Lurana Borden.
Motherhood and Household Growth
Between 1851 and 1860, Sarah gave birth to three daughters, managing both the demands of motherhood and the complexities of a growing industrialist household.
| Child | Birth Date | Death Date | Age at Death | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emma Lenora Borden | 1851-03-01 | 1927-01-05 | 75 | Primary caregiver after 1863 |
| Alice Esther Borden | 1856-05-03 | 1858-03-10 | 1y 10m 7d | Died of hydrocephalus (“dropsy”) |
| Lizzie Andrew Borden | 1860-07-19 | 1927-06-01 | 66 | Subject of 1892 homicide trial |
- Household Size (1860 Census): 6 members (including Sarah, Andrew, Lurana, and three daughters)
- Annual Household Income (1860): $12,000 (~$430,000 in 2025)
Sarah managed domestic staff, family finances, and Bristol County letters in addition to childrearing.
Health Decline and Final Illness
After the death of Alice Esther in early 1858, Sarah experienced severe uterine congestion—a term then used for various gynecological disorders. Symptoms included:
- Persistent lower abdominal pain
- Periodic swelling and fluid retention
- Chronic fatigue and reduced mobility
By 1862, spinal complications further impaired her health. Medical records from local physicians note:
| Year | Diagnosis | Treatment Protocols |
|---|---|---|
| 1858 | Uterine congestion (“dropsy”) | Iodine applications; leeching |
| 1860 | Spinal inflammation | Bed rest; laudanum tinctures |
| 1863 | Complicated uterine disease | Silver nitrate; dietary changes |
On March 26, 1863, at age 39, Sarah Anthony Borden passed away at the family residence, 92 Second Street, Fall River. The official death record cites “uterine congestion and spinal disease” as causes.
Immediate Impact on the Borden Household
Sarah’s passing left a significant void:
- Head of Household Shift: Andrew Jackson Borden assumed sole parental and managerial duties.
- Caretaker Appointment: Emma Lenora (age 11) became primary guardian to Lizzie (age 2).
- Household Composition (Post-1863): Andrew, Emma, Lizzie, Lurana, plus hired governess.
Within two years, Andrew remarried. On October 12, 1865, he wed Abby Durfee Gray (b. 1827). The union brought new dynamics:
| Year | Household Member | Age | Relation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1865 | Abby D. G. Borden | 38 | Stepmother |
| 1865-1869 | Governess Anne Carter | 30-34 | Tutor |
At 14, Emma balanced domestic duties and Lizzie’s early education, often disagreeing with Abby over parenting styles.
Industrial Power and Borden Family Wealth
Under Andrew’s leadership, the Borden enterprise expanded rapidly:
| Year | Business Venture | Revenue (Annual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | Borden & Co. Furniture | $8,000 | Regional distribution in New England |
| 1870 | Fall River Proprietors’ Mills | $50,000 | Partnership in three textile mills |
| 1880 | Real Estate Holdings | $100,000 | Over 20 residential and commercial plots |
| 1891 | Bank of Fall River Presidency | — | Andrew served as bank president (1889–1892) |
By Sarah’s death in 1863, Andrew’s net worth, including property and liquid assets, was estimated at $300,000 (1863 dollars), approximately $10 million in 2025 purchasing power.
Extended Morse and Borden Lineages
Morse Family of Somerset
- Anthony Morse (1798–1870): Farmer and town selectman
- Rhoda Morrison (1800–1865): Homemaker with ties to Bristol County civic groups
- Notable Ancestors: Jacob Morse (b.1745), Revolutionary War militia captain
Borden Industrial Dynasty
- Richard Borden (1795–1874): Andrew’s uncle; founder of Fall River Iron Works
- Nathaniel B. Borden (1801–1865): Cousin; U.S. Congressman (1845–1847), Fall River Mayor (1848–1849)
- Descendants: Olive Borden (1906–1947), silent film actress (distant cousin)
Family Residence and Assets
Primary Residence (1855–1892):
- Address: 92 Second Street, Fall River, MA
- Structure: 3 stories, brick façade, 10 rooms
- Appraised Value (1860): $5,000
- Lot Size: 0.25 acres
Secondary Properties (1880):
- North Main rental rowhouses (5 units)
- Casket warehouse on Front Street
Legacy of Sarah Anthony Borden
Although Sarah died prematurely, her principles and early caregiving shaped:
- Emma’s Role: Emma Lenora managed Lizzie’s social and financial affairs into the 1920s.
- Lizzie’s Childhood: Lizzie’s emotional dependency on Emma originated from Sarah’s last wish.
- Household Culture: Emphasis on discipline, education, and fiscal responsibility.
Sarah’s influence echoed through family disputes over inheritance in 1892, when both Andrew and Abby were murdered. Lizzie’s defense testimony referenced Emma’s lifelong pledge to “protect my sister,” a bond rooted in Sarah’s maternal guidance.
FAQ
What were Sarah Borden’s exact birth and death dates?
Sarah Anthony Morse Borden was born on September 19, 1823, and died on March 26, 1863.
How many children did Sarah have?
She had three daughters: Emma Lenora (b.1851), Alice Esther (1856–1858), and Lizzie Andrew (b.1860).
What caused Sarah’s health decline?
She suffered from uterine congestion and spinal inflammation, common 19th-century gynecological diagnoses.
The Bordens lived where during Sarah’s lifetime?
The family lived at 92 Second Street in Fall River, Massachusetts, from 1846 until Sarah’s death.
Who raised the kids after Sarah died?
Emma Lenora, age 11, became the primary caregiver to her sister Lizzie, guided by Sarah’s final wishes.
Did Sarah’s family continue in industry after her death?
Yes; Andrew expanded into textile mills, real estate, and banking, building the Borden industrial legacy.
How did Sarah’s death affect Lizzie Borden?
Lizzie’s love for Emma and animosity of Abby stem from Sarah’s death.
What was Sarah’s maiden family background?
Sarah belonged to the Morse family of Somerset, with roots in local farming and civic leadership since the Revolutionary era.
