This remains one of the great mysteries of my research. It seems that Colonel Thorn owned or rented a Chateau in Normandy. So far, I have not been able to identify which one! If any of my French relatives have a suggestion, I would love to hear it. This would have been between 1830 and... Continue Reading →
As I have mentioned before, one of the best things about this research is the people who have contacted me because they have a connection with the material. Sometimes, it's been by actual relatives and descendants of the Thorn's. Other times, it has been people undertaking associated research. This week, I got to meet a... Continue Reading →
In a series of letters that I found for sale or sold on Le Manuscrit Francais, we are able to get more insight into the lives of Jane Thorne, and her daughter Jeanne Marie. I have reproduced the details from the website. But if you visit it directly you can also find this information. Laurent... 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 →
In my research, I have come across some snippets about Herman Thorn's grandchildren. I thought I would collect them in one post, and will continue to add to this as I find more. Jane Mary Jauncey Cruger Jane Mary (or Mary Jane) Cruger (Jacqueline Dunn's ancestor - pictured above) is the daughter of James Jauncey... Continue Reading →
I've mentioned the story of how Alfred Thorn was arrested in Lima for stabbing a man to defend his wife's honour. Here is a newspaper account of the event, with some new information. It would seem that theirs was a very tempestuous relationship, fraught with jealousy and complicated by Clotilde's artistic temperament. A contretemps had... Continue Reading →
Here is a succinct snapshot by a Governor Robert M. McLane of his aquaintance with the Thorns. McLane was among other things a diplomat and friends with de Lafayette. It's interesting to hear that the married Thorn children and their families lived together at Rue de Varenne, forming their own little court. I'm not sure... Continue Reading →
It's been an absolute delight seeing the Chateau in Anche being lovingly restored by its current owners. They have a both an Instagram and Facebook, where they regularly post pictures of their work. The Chateau was in the de Pierres family for over a hundred years (1811-1932) and Jane and Etienne lived there in the... Continue Reading →
Amongst the treasure trove of documents from Laurent, is a picture of Herman (n) Fortune de Pierres, Jane and Etienne's younger son (so the brother of my great, great grandfather, Vicomte Henri Stephan). Herman married Marie Louise Félicité Deneux in 1874. As yet, I don't know a lot about Herman, but it seems he spent some... Continue Reading →
I am so grateful to a fellow history lover for this new photo of Jane Mary Thorne (de Pierres). Laurent from Le Manuscrit Francais has come into possession of many papers and letters pertaining to the de Pierres family. Some of these are letters between the Empress Eugenie and Jane Thorne, others are from Louis... 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…