American woman (1860–1927) who was tried and acquitted in the 1892 axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts. The saga ultimately became one of the most celebrated unsolved cases in the history of American crime. Extremely rare ALS signed “Neighbors,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 5 x 8, October 15, 1896. A letter to her neighbor, James Kenney. In full: “Several of your neighbors have been very much annoyed by your dog all summer and feel they can bear it no longer. Will you please get rid of him or keep him in the house all the time. If you are not willing to comply with this request they will feel obliged to complain to the city authorities. No man has a right to keep a nuisance.” In fine condition, with partial separations to horizontal folds and a few creases.
After her acquittal in June of 1983, Lizzie moved to Maplecroft, an enormous Victorian home in Fall River’s fashionable Highlands neighborhood. Already infamous and unwelcome, she did nothing to gain friends on her new street. She frequently threw lavish parties, entertaining her theater friends from Boston into the early morning, and complained about other residents’ habits. Especially antagonistic towards her next-door neighbor, James Kenney, Lizzie here threatens to “complain to the city authorities” if he does not silence his barking dog. The following year Lizzie would purchase the lot abutting Maplecroft, which held Mr. Kenney’s small house and garage, and force her neighbor to relocate. Autographically scarce and highly sought-after, this is only the fifth letter written by Miss Borden that we have ever offered—a highly desirable piece from the American folk legend. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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