In June 1837, his regiment left for India, but Thorn decided to remain in Sydney, marrying the seventeen-year-old Jane Handcock on 2 November 1837.

On arrival he immediately took up his residence in Ipswich, having been placed in charge of all the Government stock-cattle, sheep, and horses then located in the surrounding neighbourhood.

He also had the supervision of a large area of land, under cultivation by the Government, at a place then designated the "Ploughed Station", but later known as "The Grange" and the racecourse.

During his whole career as Government superintendent, his subordinates (often convicts with wild and ungovernable temperaments) held him in high esteem.

After conducting this hotel for a few years, he turned his attention to the business of general storekeeper, building and opening a store in East Street.

By steady and energetic perseverance Thorn succeeded in raising this station to a high standard, making it one of the most valuable pastoral properties in West Moreton.

However, in December 1875, he fractured his femur bone, from which he never thoroughly recovered, dying from senile bronchitis on 28 April 1876 in Ipswich, Queensland.