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 →
Mary Jane Jauncey Thorn's (the second eldest daughter of Col. Thorn) courtship with Antoine Raymond Camille Varaigne du Bourg was marked by high drama and romance. According to various sources including a letter from Susanna Cooper wife of American writer James Fenimore Cooper, Antoine had been a frequent caller at the Thorn residence in Paris.... 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 →
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 →
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