Toussaint, Pierre, 1766-1853?

Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853?) was born a slave in Haiti (then Saint Domingue) and came to New York City in 1787 with the family of Pierre Berard. After becoming a successful hairdresser, Toussaint supported the Berard family and bought the freedom of many slaves. A devout Roman Catholic, Toussaint contributed to Catholic schools and orphanages, was a founding member of the first French Catholic Church in New York City, and helped poor black youths and the victims of yellow fever. In 1951 a petition was begun for his canonization.

From the guide to the Pierre Toussaint papers, 1793-1853, 1822-1853, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.)

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2016-08-15 10:08:26 am

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