Juliette Toussaint

Juliette Noel Toussaint (c. 1786 – May 14, 1851) was a formerly enslaved Haitian-American philanthropist who collaborated closely with her husband Pierre Toussaint in helping the poor and doing charitable works in downtown New York. Her husband was declared a Venerable in 1996 by Pope John Paul II.

Her name is listed among the donors of the New York African Society for Mutual Relief. The Noel family came to Baltimore with their slave owners at some point during the Haitian Revolution. There she labored as a housemaid, assistant cook and nanny.

Marriage and family

In the wake of the Haitian Revolution, Pierre Toussaint's master went into exile in New York City with him, granting them the opportunity to meet one another. Juliette was 20 years younger than him. While still working for her master, Pierre saved enough money to purchase her freedom.

Later years On May 14, 1851, Juliette died of natural causes. Two years later, Pierre Toussaint died on June 30, 1853. They were buried alongside Euphemia in the cemetery of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral.