I came across this article while surfing the internet and I found it a quirky, unexpected and fun read. Thought I would share it with the ning. To have such a figure living much of his life in New Jersey was quite a surprise. I can only imagine being one of his neighbors at the time and being invited to spend time with him and hearing his stories about his life in Europe.

Not written by me, full credit goes to the author, Matt Soniak from May, 2011. Hope you enjoy!

Click the name below in blue for the link to the article.

Joseph Bonaparte

updated by @lady-leena-fandango: 06 Oct 2016 06:10:44AM

Wow how amazing. Being a resident of NYC,Jerseyis just across the water. That's quite something to read about Although Colonial America as a state emerged in the end of the 18th century, it has a whole society, fashion and importance it's self. Especially New York, and the states nearest to it. New York was aloyalistState, and even though the American Revolutionerupted, itdidn'tplay a key role. After the war, New York was the first to resume trade, of the former colonies, and did so quickly. For that Reason, New York and NewJersey, would be come centers of the olderEuropeansocieties, and give life to the new American "Europeaninspired" societies thatemergedin the early 19th century. Imagine having a former King for a Neighbor! With such a lavish home! I'd be his friendany daylol.

The parties and the 'society' that must have been buzzing when they heard who the new neighbor was. Itmust have been a stampede to see the self styled Count de Survilliers and his estate.

Sadly, although the Pointe Breeze house was rebuilt after the fire it seems that it no longer exists. Would be an interesting drive by if it was still there!

"In 1850, Point Breeze was purchased by the British consul at Philadelphia who had the house pulled down and built another to replace it."

http://www.napoleon-series.org/research/biographies/c_joseph.html

Since the New Yorkers were the ones to befriend Europe again so quickly, it makes sense that many would make it a new home or destination when they arrived in the states. After all, New York would have all the finest imports? With New Jersey so close by,it must have been fantastic to see the list of who's who of the time around the area.