I discovered a second report from the New York Herald on the matter of Alice (Thorn) de Ferussac's inheritance. This one was dated in June, while the other was from April, 1913. Though most of the details are the same, it does mention Thorn's run in with authorities for driving a coach and 8 horses.... Continue Reading →
I'm constantly surprised at how uncharitable people in the Parisian aristocratic social scene were. It's as though being rude is a sport of its own! Here, the Count Apponyi keeps a diary entry about a disastrous dinner at the Thorns. March 15. Mr. Thorn, the famous American, gave us a dinner for fifty people, boring... Continue Reading →
In looking back through some source material, I noticed that John Van Buren, an American politician, had written to his father, President Martin Van Buren about Mary Thorn (de Varaigne), Jane, and James on Thursday 21/2/1839 in Paris: Calling Mary "his old belle" is interesting, considering that she was fifteen or sixteen when she eloped... Continue Reading →
It's always gratifying to see an actual artefact connected to the Thorn family. This is a letter to Herman from John Jacob Astor about his ship Tonquin. Tonquin had been commanded by Herman's brother, Jonathon (a hero of the Barbary Wars), who was killed on a trip to Canada after rudely inciting an argument with... Continue Reading →
James Jancey Senior was deeply involved in New York politics. Below are examples of his activity and involvement with John Cruger and his title of Master of the Rolls: At a meeting of the freemen and freeholders of the city, in order to consult on the Propriety of re-electing the late 4 Members for this... Continue Reading →
In this letter to George Perkins March (considered to be America's first environmentalist), GPA Healy mentions how he has just finished the Thorn portrait. *Dubourjal is a French artist of the time. Paris March 27 1854. 16. Place Vendôme Page 1My dear Marsh, I have been greatly disappointed in not being able to make my... Continue Reading →
I continue to collect snippets of information that weave into the tapestry of the Thorn's life. There is always the possibility that some of these are inaccurate, but it is worth recording in order to cross reference them. Herman and his family moved into "Elmwood" (Apthorp mansion) soon after William Jauncey died in 1828. Though... Continue Reading →
Both William Jauncey and Herman Thorn were, at one time, vestrymen at St Michael's Episcopalian church on 100th St (Bloomingdale) on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The church has been rebuilt on other locations since then, but Herman must have retained his faith during his lifetime as he began holding Episcopalian services at Hotel... Continue Reading →
In the Salon of 1853 both Disderi and Gayrard displayed works. For Gayrard it was the bronze statue of The Lady on Horseback (Jane Thorn de Pierres). Whereas Disderi was exhibiting his portait photography. This year the famous exhibition was moved to northern Paris, and not everyone was happy with this. There were 1,768 works... Continue Reading →
I came across this rather vicious description of of King Louis-Philippe's sister, Madame Adelaide, and her connection to Colonel Thorn. It seems that within Parisian society they both had plenty of critics. If this can be believed, the Colonel was fearful of being "papped" by the likes of Alphonse Karr, who had written many scathing... Continue Reading →
The Colonel and Mrs Thorn 
I noticed that too..nicknames add even more color to the picture
Oh, yes I found the photo amd put it on the poat about the Thorn granchildren! From Jane's letters it…
I shared her portrait and her father James with you…James is the black framed portrait vs the giant gold framed…
Dear Jacqueline, I feel the same as you. It has brought so much to life. Jane is clearly very fond…
How wonderful to hear the voices of the family..the daily life, the visits the boredom…first hand accounts from woman are…