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 →
I'm still trying to find a timeline for this, but it seems Thorn and his family resided in Tuscany for a period of time (maybe 1831 or 1832), after their inital relocation to Paris. Herman's son James Jauncey Thorn was married to Therese von Leykam on January 20/1/1834 in Geneva, Switzerland, and then they moved... 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 →
Today, I was contacted by a new French cousin and descendant of Mary Jane Thorn. She owns this original painting of Alice and Jane Mary. I am so excited to see the real thing! Most fascinating are the beautiful dresses and the expressions of the women. Jane (left) looks like she might have found posing... Continue Reading →
I'd like to spend some time on Clotilde Barili and her doomed marriage to Alfred Thorn. She was a member of the famous Barili family and a step-sister to Adelina Patti, "the most celebrated soprano of the century." Both parents were musicians who spent their time between Italy, Paris and New York. Clotilde was commonly... Continue Reading →
You may have realised by now how much I love this kind of research. The interconnectdness of life and how it creates story - past and present! Yesterday, I had a lovely email from a researcher who is hoping to write a book about Susan and Anna Warner, her ancestors. These women were impoverished due... Continue Reading →
As I research, some snippets of information remain tantalisingly elusive. That's the lure of history, as far as I am concerned. One such example is that of the poet, William Maurer, or G. Maurer, who lived with Colonel Thorn at Rue de Varenne for six and a half years as tutor to his children. Maurer... 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…