Toussaint, Pierre

Toussaint, Pierre (1766–1853) philanthropist; born in Santo Domingo. Brought to New York City as a slave (1787), he worked as a hairdresser; supporting his owner's wife when she became widowed and impoverished, he was emancipated in 1807. A devout Catholic who became highly successful in business, he spent much of his money on charities and personally nursed and housed people in need.