Hello!
I, too, am researching the Bord surname. I find it interesting that your mother said it was 'french'. I have found reference to a 'Powell-LaBorde' trading post on Lake Winnebago in 1839 and wondered if that could have become the 'Bords'? Otherwise, we seem to have just sprouted from nowhere . . .
If you have found out anymore info please let me know . . . . thank you . . . Pat