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 →
As has happened many times now since I began this website, I have had an email from a fellow researcher looking for information that is related to the Thorn story. In this instance, it is from the Chatham Booksellers in New Jersey, who have come into the possession of a letter addressed to Miss Jauncey... Continue Reading →
Below is a series of biographical notes about James Jauncey senior - father to William, and Jane Mary's father, John. (Jane Mary then married Herman Thorn and they called one of their boys James. James Thorn was forced to change his name to James Jauncey to inherit his uncle's money). The elder Jauncey's (James and... Continue Reading →
This post is devoted to the details I have been able to find about the privateers (sloops, schooners and brigatines) owned by James and John Jauncey when they came from Bermuda to New York. As I researched, I found a long explanation of how James Jauncey fell into a propaganda battle with a Livingston over... Continue Reading →
Lawsuits plagued Herman Thorn's life from the moment he married into William Jauncey's family fortune. It began with the court case after his eldest son died unexpectedly before coming into his inhertance from old William. It seems that Herman acted quickly to secure the fortune that was going to be divided amongst other Jauncey relatives.... 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 →
Old William Jauncey, Jane Mary's uncle and legal guardian, deserves some space in this large family story. He was the source of Herman and Jane's great wealth, and the reason that they made many decisions in their early married life. Because of his disapproval, they eloped. And his desire to control who inherited his money,... Continue Reading →
Jane Mary Jauncey Jane Mary Jauncey (Herman Thorn's wealthy wife) was raised by her uncle, William Jauncey. He took her into his care, with the help of his sister, when his brother John, b.1755 approx. (Jane Mary's father), took his own life. I have not been able to ascertain who Jane Mary's mother was. Apparently,... Continue Reading →
I have already mentioned that one of the most rewarding aspects of this project is how it has acquainted me with new relatives. This week, I heard from Jacqueline who is a descendant of James Jauncey Thorn, Herman and Jane's second eldest son. As a memory jog, James Jauncey Thorn (b. 1814; d. 1845) is buried... 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…