Juliette Toussaint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juliette Toussaint
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Painting by Anthony Meucci (c. 1825)
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| Born |
Marie-Rose Juliette Noel
c. 1786 Saint-Domingue (now Haiti)
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| Died | May 14, 1851 (aged 64–65) New York City, United States
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| Spouse(s) | Pierre Toussaint |
Juliette Noel Toussaint (born around 1786 – died May 14, 1851) was a kind-hearted woman from Haiti who became an American citizen. She was a freed slave and a philanthropist. This means she loved to help people and gave money and time to good causes. Juliette worked closely with her husband, Pierre Toussaint. Together, they helped many poor people in New York City. Pierre Toussaint was later honored by Pope John Paul II. Juliette's name is also on a list of people who gave money to the New York African Society for Mutual Relief. This group helped Black people in New York.
Contents
Juliette Toussaint's Life Story
Her Early Years
We don't know much about Juliette's early life. She was born into slavery in a French colony called Haiti around 1786. This was a time when many people were forced to work without pay. During the Haitian Revolution, Juliette's owners moved to Baltimore, in the United States. There, she worked as a housemaid, helped with cooking, and cared for children as a nanny.
Marriage and Family Life
After the Haitian Revolution, Pierre Toussaint's owner moved to New York City. This is how Juliette and Pierre met. Juliette was about 20 years younger than Pierre. Even though she was still enslaved, Pierre saved enough money to buy her freedom.
They got married on August 5, 1811. For four years, they lived in Pierre's owner's house. Later, they moved into their own home on Franklin Street. Pierre continued to work as a hairdresser. Juliette took care of their home and volunteered at their local church.
The couple adopted Euphemia, who was Pierre's niece. Euphemia's mother, Rosalie, had passed away. Juliette and Pierre raised Euphemia as their own daughter. They made sure she went to school and took music lessons.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Juliette and Pierre went to church every day. They started helping the poor people of New York City. They helped everyone, no matter their skin color or religion. They often brought baked goods to the children at the Colored Orphan Asylum. They also gave money to help the asylum run.
In their own home, they welcomed many people. They gave shelter to street children, travelers, and people who had no home.
The Toussaints also set up a special office to help people. It was like a credit bureau and an employment agency. This helped people get loans and find jobs. They also created a safe place for priests. Many refugees from Haiti came to them for help. Juliette and Pierre helped them find work and even organized sales to raise money for them. They also worked with the Oblate Sisters of Providence to start a school for Black children.
They also helped raise money to build a new Catholic church in New York. This church became St. Patrick's Old Cathedral on Mott Street. Pierre also supported the first Catholic school for Black children in New York City. It was at St. Vincent de Paul on Canal Street.
Later Years
Juliette passed away on May 14, 1851. She died of natural causes. Two years later, Pierre Toussaint died on June 30, 1853. They were buried together with Euphemia. Their graves are in the cemetery of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral.
