In my research, I have come across some snippets about Herman Thorn's grandchildren. I thought I would collect them in one post, and will continue to add to this as I find more. Jane Mary Jauncey Cruger Jane Mary (or Mary Jane) Cruger (Jacqueline Dunn's ancestor - pictured above) is the daughter of James Jauncey... Continue Reading →
I've mentioned the story of how Alfred Thorn was arrested in Lima for stabbing a man to defend his wife's honour. Here is a newspaper account of the event, with some new information. It would seem that theirs was a very tempestuous relationship, fraught with jealousy and complicated by Clotilde's artistic temperament. A contretemps had... Continue Reading →
Here is a succinct snapshot by a Governor Robert M. McLane of his aquaintance with the Thorns. McLane was among other things a diplomat and friends with de Lafayette. It's interesting to hear that the married Thorn children and their families lived together at Rue de Varenne, forming their own little court. I'm not sure... Continue Reading →
It's been an absolute delight seeing the Chateau in Anche being lovingly restored by its current owners. They have a both an Instagram and Facebook, where they regularly post pictures of their work. The Chateau was in the de Pierres family for over a hundred years (1811-1932) and Jane and Etienne lived there in the... Continue Reading →
Amongst the treasure trove of documents from Laurent, is a picture of Herman (n) Fortune de Pierres, Jane and Etienne's younger son (so the brother of my great, great grandfather, Vicomte Henri Stephan). Herman married Marie Louise Félicité Deneux in 1874. As yet, I don't know a lot about Herman, but it seems he spent some... Continue Reading →
I am so grateful to a fellow history lover for this new photo of Jane Mary Thorne (de Pierres). Laurent from Le Manuscrit Francais has come into possession of many papers and letters pertaining to the de Pierres family. Some of these are letters between the Empress Eugenie and Jane Thorne, others are from Louis... Continue Reading →
Oh to be able to afford all of these! Found them on Le Manuscrit Francais. It seems that Eugenie and Jane were close, and that Jane a had a great affection for young Louis Napoleon as well. The last two letters are to Jane's daughter Jeanne Marie, and appears to mention a romance of some... Continue Reading →
Thanks to my cousin Henri, I have begun to scour collectible sites and have unearthed some absolute gems. The first one I would like to share is the actual handwritten program (broadside) from the night Liszt played at Colonel Thorn's salon. You may remember that the concert was to raise funds for an impoverished German... Continue Reading →
I awoke with great joy this morning to an email from my cousin Henri that contained a photo of his ancestor Mary Jane (Jauncey-Thorn) de Varaigne. If you have been following this story, you will know that Mary eloped with Camille de Varaigne when she was 16 and caused an enormous scandal. The couple did... Continue Reading →
James Jauncey, warden of the Port of New York, merchant ship owner, and founder of the New York Chamber of Commerce, married Mary Smith in 1773. They had four children William, James Jr, John (Jane Mary's father), and Mary. Being Royalists during the revolution, their life was plagued with fear and politics. In 1776, the... 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…