Here is a second newspaper account of Mary Jane Thorn's will. It seems that people were intrigued by the instructions she left for her tiara. It must have been coveted by all, and she wanted to make sure that there was no favouritism displayed. One had to buy the others out of their shares if... Continue Reading →
As I just posted about the Thorn family holidays to Dieppe, I decided that the family's regular trips to Pequot House deserved its own post. Just to remind you, I found it first mentioned in Mrs Thorn's will: For many years before her death, Lady Thorn, accompanied by her family, spent the summer months at... Continue Reading →
There are records of Colonel Thorn and family visiting the Dieppe baths on June 15th, 1831; July or August 1842; and then again in 1844, which suggests they might have gone there for an annual summer holiday while they lived in France. The baths were a popular holiday destination in Northern France and seemed to... Continue Reading →
When you're trying to recreate someone's life, incidental anecdotes reveal a lot about their personality and their environment. This recount details how Colonel Thorn, not content with his second tier box at the Theatre Italien, was seeking to rent a first tier opera box from the Duc d'Osuma, who had returned to Spain. The first... Continue Reading →
While researching this family story, I have begun to realise more and more just how subjective and incomplete history is. Take the legend of Ots Toch, Herman Thorn's great, great, great grandmother. Historical accounts differ on who her parents were and we may never know the truth. Ots Toch was a Mowhawk woman from the... Continue Reading →
I've been holding off writing about Herman Jr. His is such a sad story, just like the other male Thorn children - apart from Eugene. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Herman Jr was keen to become an officer in the US Army, but was not admitted to West Point. Once he had been... Continue Reading →
According to Jane Mary Jauncey Thorn's last will and testament, there are some paintings I have not been able to find. It is my deepest wish to at least sight a photo of the originals some day. Any help in tracking them down is greatly appreciated: Princess Esterhazy's natural pearl tiara Madame de Varaigne and... Continue Reading →
A strong theme of elopement runs through the Thorn family history. I suppose it is a reflection of the strict social expectations of the time, but I also sense a wild and slightly contrary flavour to their personalities. Firstly, Herman ran away with Jane Mary, much to the complete displeasure of old William Jauncey, who... Continue Reading →
So this is all rather intriguing. There are a few mentions in the New York papers about the "Thorn Champagne", which was being imported from France and distributed through Colonel Thorn's connection to the Livingstons. I'm wondering how best to try and find out what vineyard in Champagne this came from, and how successful it... Continue Reading →
Colonel Thorn apparently was mistaken for royalty after he purchased Charles X's coronation carriage. here is a description of it: On 28th May 1825, Charles X was crowned in Reims, thus reconnecting with the principles of monarchy by divine right. This grandiose ceremony demanded an exceptional coach. Designed from 1814 by the architect Percier and... 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…