I absolutely LOVE it when I come across these little mentions. Every tiny detail helps to paints a more vivid picture of their lives and times... So, it seems that Herman Thorn imported oysters from the very famous Oyster King in New York, Thomas Downing. Thomas was an admirable, hard working entrepreneur and abolitionist who... Continue Reading →
I had always planned to post this is my last post on this website, but really, this blog will probably never end! So here are some interesting eulogies for Herman, who apparently died on July 31, 1959 from paralysis, which he had been suffering or two years prior to his death (stroke?). There was much... Continue Reading →
I discovered this letter, which was sent to the Editor-in-chief of Le Sport. It was written by Baron Etienne de Pierres in 1859 and speaks in defence of his father-in-law about the rumours that abounded at the time, after the Colonel had left France to return to New York. It's curious that he responded publically... Continue Reading →
I just discovered that Colonel Thorn was a member of the Circle of Union club in Lyon. ( Cercle de l'Union), which in his day was known as Cercle du Divan.He was mentioned along with: M. Talbot, G. M. Talleyrand, Baron de Talbot, J. M. Talleyrand, Duc de Tarleton. Taylor, Général Temple Frencbe, Colonel Thorn, Colonel Townley,... Continue Reading →
As you can see, I haven't been researching much this year, but next year I will be back on task! Despite my lack of activity, I have had a constant stream of messages through the site. People are continuing to seek out the information stored here to help with their personal ancestry journeys. In particular,... Continue Reading →
Oh to be able to afford all of these! Found them on Le Manuscrit Francais. It seems that Eugenie and Jane were close, and that Jane a had a great affection for young Louis Napoleon as well. The last two letters are to Jane's daughter Jeanne Marie, and appears to mention a romance of some... Continue Reading →
Thanks to my cousin Henri, I have begun to scour collectible sites and have unearthed some absolute gems. The first one I would like to share is the actual handwritten program (broadside) from the night Liszt played at Colonel Thorn's salon. You may remember that the concert was to raise funds for an impoverished German... Continue Reading →
I awoke with great joy this morning to an email from my cousin Henri that contained a photo of his ancestor Mary Jane (Jauncey-Thorn) de Varaigne. If you have been following this story, you will know that Mary eloped with Camille de Varaigne when she was 16 and caused an enormous scandal. The couple did... Continue Reading →
Below is a interesting glimpse into the Victorian mind with a mention of Colonel Thorn's upcoming ball, and the American's in Paris by Elizabeth J Knox in her letters. They make for such fascinating reading as they reveal the gossip and cultural beliefs of the time. In one letter I read, she spoke of a... Continue Reading →
I'm delighted to share with you all these large portrait photos of Jane Mary Thorn de Pierres and Etienne de Pierres. Not sure what year they are taken, but I would think they are in their 30's? It's interesting to see Jane's different hairstyles, and Etienne in full diplomat regalia. Jane Thorn de Pierres Etienne... 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…