Jonathan Thorne (1801-1884)
of 3 Washington Square, New York City; Largest Leather Manufacturer in America
He was a native of Dutchess County, New York, and became a dry goods merchant. In about 1830, he was invited to join his brother-in-law, Barney Corse, in his leather merchants. Barney's father, Israel Corse, "thought the world" of Mr. Thorne. Two years later, Barney Corse retired and Thorne continued to run the business alone before taking in his brothers-in-law, Israel Corse and Anson Lapham as Jonathan Thorne & Co. In 1840 they moved from 14 Jacob Street to 18 Ferry Street, a new store that cost $27,000. In the same year, Thorne and Corse took in a Mr. Watson who had purchased Lapham's interest and the firm became known as Corse, Thorne & Co.
It was said that the Thorne name became famous not only for selling cattle skins, hides, etc., but also for raising cattle. Thorne had, "a remarkable attachment to splendid cattle." When his son, Edwin (who continued as senior partner of the firm), was married, Jonathan Thorne presented his daughter-in-law with "massive sets of silver, ornamented with 'bull's heads'" to the value of $20,000. In 1823, he married Lydia, daughter of Israel Corse, and they were the parents of eleven children (listed). He lived between his townhouse at 3 Washington Square in New York City and the old family homestead, "Thornedale" (see images) in Millbrook, Dutchess County, N.Y., to which he made extensive renovations for use as his summer home - and it remains in their family.
It was said that the Thorne name became famous not only for selling cattle skins, hides, etc., but also for raising cattle. Thorne had, "a remarkable attachment to splendid cattle." When his son, Edwin (who continued as senior partner of the firm), was married, Jonathan Thorne presented his daughter-in-law with "massive sets of silver, ornamented with 'bull's heads'" to the value of $20,000. In 1823, he married Lydia, daughter of Israel Corse, and they were the parents of eleven children (listed). He lived between his townhouse at 3 Washington Square in New York City and the old family homestead, "Thornedale" (see images) in Millbrook, Dutchess County, N.Y., to which he made extensive renovations for use as his summer home - and it remains in their family.
