Nathaniel Briggs Borden (April 15, 1801 – April 10, 1865) was a businessman and politician from Fall River, Massachusetts. He served as a U.S. representative from Massachusetts's 10th congressional district from 1835 to 1839 and again from 1841 to 1843. He later served as a member of the Massachusetts General Court, first as a state senator, and later a state representative. He also served as the third mayor of Fall River. His business career included interests textile mills, banking and railroads. He was the younger brother of noted land surveyor Simeon Borden.
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Early life and education
Nathaniel Briggs Borden was born to Simeon Borden and Amey (Briggs) Borden in the part of Freetown, Massachusetts which became Fall River in 1803. His father died in 1811. His mother Amey, was one of the original incorporators of the Troy Cotton & Woolen Manufactory, the second cotton mill to be established in Fall River, in 1813, which was built on her property. Amey Borden died in 1817, leaving five children, including sixteen-year-old Nathaniel.
Much of Borden's youth was spent in Tiverton, Rhode Island. He attended the district school and Plainfield (Connecticut) Academy, but left when his mother died. Borden acquired an interest in government at a young age. In 1821, when he was just twenty years old, Borden and several associates organized the Pocasset Manufacturing Company, in Fall River, Massachusetts. He served as the company's first clerk and treasurer.