Richard Copeland - HISTORY BUFF
Ann Taylor Thorne was born in Logansport on June 20, 1932 to Joseph and Elizabeth Hillis Taylor. Ann was always known in school as a person dedicated to the academics. At Logansport High School, Ann followed the academic course. She belonged to the Honor Society, Student Council Executive Board, Hi-Tri Cabinet, Latin Club, Spanish Club, Literary Club, Cheer Block and the Prom Committee.
Ann’s father and mother ran a wholesale and retail leather and linoleum store in the 400 block of Market Street. Joseph died Oct. 21, 1965. Elizabeth continued operating the store with her brother’s assistance until her death on July 22, 1979.
Joseph was an avid golfer at the Country Club. Jake Timmons remembers being a caddy for him. Merlyn Raikes was the main salesman for the business for years.
After graduation from high school, Ann attended De Pauw University with a double major in physics and mathematics. She then earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Purdue University .
Ann married her college sweetheart, John F. Thorne Jr. They had three children, John, Clark and Elizabeth. After raising the children, Ann began teaching mathematics in Aurora University, Benedictine University and Triton College. She was appointed professor of mathematics at Dupage College in 1980. She specialized in teaching those students who were insufficiently prepared in mathematics to prepare themselves in high tech jobs.
Her mathematic ability was so great that her name has been engraved at the entrance to the Mathematics Association of America’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C. After graduation from Purdue University, Ann was invited to become part of the group working to develop the first nuclear submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus.
She died in January at her home in Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Richard B. Copeland is a Cass County Historian and may be reached at ptnews@pharostribune.com. The material for this article came from the Internet, The Chicago Paper, the Pharos-Tribune and relatives.
