The Thorn's return to New York in late 1845 was prompted by a regime change in France. "He arrived at the port of New York aboard the ship Zurich on 9 Sep 1845.[2][3] The traveling party included Col Thorn age 60, Mrs. Thorn age 45, Mr. Alfred Thorn age 18, Mr. Eugene Thorn age 16, Ellen... Continue Reading →
The second part of Osgood's reflections is a sarcastic account of Charles Lever tasting sherry with Colonel Thorn. The Marquis de Penafiel mentioned in the excerpt was a Spanish noble and either the 11th or 12th Duke of Osuna. Charles Lever was an Irish writer and editor, author of The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer among... Continue Reading →
It seems that in 1843 Colonel Thorn was witness of the the marriage between the New York banking heiress, Mary Mason Jones (Edith Wharton's great aunt) and the Baron de Trobriand. I'm curious as to whether there was an actual connection between them, or if he was merely called upon as a well known American... Continue Reading →
It was common knowledge that Old William Jauncey did not approve of his niece's choice of husband. As I mentioned in an earlier post, he had planned for her to wed the son of his friend, Colonel Barclay. The old man was so furious about their elopement in 1810 that he refused to ever speak... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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…