Successful Fall River, Massachusetts businessman and, among other titles, Director of Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing Company. Along with his wife, brutally murdered with an axe in his home on the morning of August 4, 1892, allegedly by his daughter, Lizzie. Partly-printed DS, signed “Andrew J. Borden,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 4, October 18, 1887. City of Fall River drain permit issued by the City Engineer’s Office, with Borden being granted permission for “draining…3 stores…using 6 inch pipe.” Reverse is a statement of permission which reads, “In consideration of receiving permission to enter the public sewer for Estate No. 68 South Main street, I hereby agree to hold the city harmless from all damage consequent upon or in any way growing out of the entering of public sewer. I also agree to leave the street in a condition satisfactory to the Superintendent of Streets. In consideration of this permission, I further agree to pay into the City Treasury, on demand, such sum or sums of money as the City Council may assess for the same, and to conform to the rules adopted by the Board of Aldermen.” Signed at the conclusion, “Andrew J. Borden.” This document is still part of its original 8.5 x 12.5 page, with two other permits issued to separate businessmen, and is in fine condition.
The businessman’s willingness to equip some of his Main Street stores with late 19th century ‘luxuries’ such as plumbing may have led to his demise several years later. Lizzie Borden detested the fact that occupants of her father’s various buildings enjoyed modern convenience that his own family, who lived a few blocks away at 92 Second Street, were denied. Andrew Borden, though a wealthy individual, was also a terribly unfriendly man who refused to install more modern plumbing and heating systems in his own home, likely because these ‘unnecessary’ improvements might cost him money. Before his grisly death, he had boasted that he had yet to spend his first foolish dollar—a stinginess that ended amidst numerous whacks of a hatchet. Interesting document from one of the more recognizable names in American folklore. RRAuction COA.
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