Thoreau records a family tradition that this grandfather, when en route to America, saluted the French frigate, La Terrible, which carried John Adams to France. A tourist contributed to the Boston Transcript, five years ago, the story of his search in Jersey for further trace of the Thoreau family and especially "Uncle Peter," who corresponded, for many years, with the American branch. One grandchild of this Jersey wine-merchant still lives at St. Heliers, though her name has been changed by marriage. Her son is a fine scholar, well versed in English and American literature, and proud to claim kinship with Henry Thoreau. The house where John, grandsire, and his brother Peter were born is still standing opposite the churchyard.
On arrival in America the pioneer Thoreau settled in Boston as a merchant. His store was at first on Long wharf and later on King Street, before this monarchical name was changed to State Street. For many years he lived on Prince Street in a house recently destroyed. In 1781, John Thoreau married Jane Burns of mingled Scotch and Quaker blood. While still a young woman she died, leaving four children, John, the father of Henry, and three daughters. The Jersey custom regarding nomenclature was carefully followed by
