You can't imagine how thrilled I was to find this ghost story about Colonel Thorn. Even if the journalist denounces its veracity, it's quite a find! I love how this family saga has so many dimensions. It seems the Colonel loved having his big family all around him, and in latter years it was nothing... Continue Reading →
In researching Herman Thorn's life, I have found a rich composite of stories and snippets that paint a picture of the man. While clearly a spendthrift and a classist social climber, he was also gentlemanly, with a sense of humour and an inclination to host benefits for people in need, such as the impoverished German... Continue Reading →
I have not been able to establish if this was a model of a real boat. If it was, I suspect it had a different name. But there is no mention (that I can find at least) that the Colonel commissioned a boat to be built to sail his family to Europe. Below is the... Continue Reading →
As I try to build a picture of Colonel Thorn's character, I try and envisage many things: how he dressed, what things he surrounded himself with, what his tastes were - in essence, his style. Below are some of the glimpses I've had into the material aspects of his life. This also gives me more... Continue Reading →
Alice Adele Thorn was born in 25th February 1825 in New York. As one of the Thorn's middle children, it would have been easy for her to have gone unnoticed amongst the larger than life stories of the other children. But Alice had operatic talent and ambitions. She married Bertrand-Amédée d'AUDEBARD de FÉRUSSAC (Baron de... Continue Reading →
As you know, I'm particularly interested in Colonel Thorn's patronnage of the Arts. Being a writer (now especially in the age of Covid 19), I know how hard it is to maintain a creative career. So I'm fascinated by how culture is impacted by patrons enabling artists to survive. Horatio Greenough is remembered for a... Continue Reading →
Etienne de Pierres Etienne (Stephane) Baron de Pierres 1818-1876, was a politician, and the first squire (equerry - in charge of her horses) of the Empress Eugénie. He was a skilled horseman and famed for his racing stable. Today there is still a steeplechase (Prix Baron de Pierres) held in his name at Craon. Clearly he... Continue Reading →
This was probably one of my most exciting discoveries lately. Etienne de Pierres and Jane Mary Thorn de Pierres are both in this painting by Jean Leon Gerome, which apparently took three years to complete. In an account of Napoleon 111 and Empress Eugenie meeting the Siamese ambassador at court at the Chateau de Fontainbleu,... Continue Reading →
Colonel Thorn's love affair with music had him dubbed one of the 'millionaire melomanists' (millionaire music lovers) for his involvement in having a statue built for Rossini when he was still alive. Below is lovely excerpt that discusses the debate over whether that was the right thing to do. Rossini
While researching this story, I never expected to discover how Jane and Etienne met. As a biographer, much of the narrative you construct is deduction or 'best guess' based on incomplete facts or hearsay. Occasionally though, you stumble on an anecdote that brings the elusive story vividly to life. I had this moment last night... Continue Reading →
The Colonel and Mrs Thorn 
[…] Mr Maurer […]
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…