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Pierre Toussaint: A Biography
This richly detailed portrait of Pierre Toussaint, who was born into slavery, became one of the most admired men of his time, and is now a candidate for canonization, reveals both the journey of an extraordinary man and a fascinating glimpse into nineteenth-century America.
Pierre Toussaint was born in Saint Domingue (now known as Haiti) in 1781. The child of a slave on a plantation owned by the Bérards, a prosperous French family, he was raised as a devout Catholic. When a slave uprising forced the Bérards to flee the island in 1797, Toussaint came to New York City as the family’s servant. As a black man and as a Catholic, Toussaint found that his new home held dangers of its Slaves were brutalized by their owners, free blacks were beaten on the streets, and anti-Catholic sentiment was rampant. But New York also offered him new opportunities. When Toussaint’s talents as a hairstylist—along with his charming, refined manners—made him a favorite of the women in New York’s upper-class families, he began earning a substantial income. He was given his freedom in 1807, married in 1811, and devoted his life to helping former slaves, supporting the Church, and taking care of the poor and oppressed, all while helping to raise funds for the city’s first cathedral.
In the first biography of Toussaint written for a mainstream audience, Arthur Jones charts a life buffeted and scarred by poverty, prejudice, and political upheavals, and shows how Toussaint’s faith, independence of mind, and sense of personal dignity served as lifelong sources of strength. Drawing on letters from Toussaint’s friends and admirers, black and white alike, as well as a wealth of historical sources, he brings to life a man who, by defying the strictures of a racist society became an example not only for other black people, but for oppressed and maligned immigrants of all backgrounds.
Pierre Toussaint was born in Saint Domingue (now known as Haiti) in 1781. The child of a slave on a plantation owned by the Bérards, a prosperous French family, he was raised as a devout Catholic. When a slave uprising forced the Bérards to flee the island in 1797, Toussaint came to New York City as the family’s servant. As a black man and as a Catholic, Toussaint found that his new home held dangers of its Slaves were brutalized by their owners, free blacks were beaten on the streets, and anti-Catholic sentiment was rampant. But New York also offered him new opportunities. When Toussaint’s talents as a hairstylist—along with his charming, refined manners—made him a favorite of the women in New York’s upper-class families, he began earning a substantial income. He was given his freedom in 1807, married in 1811, and devoted his life to helping former slaves, supporting the Church, and taking care of the poor and oppressed, all while helping to raise funds for the city’s first cathedral.
In the first biography of Toussaint written for a mainstream audience, Arthur Jones charts a life buffeted and scarred by poverty, prejudice, and political upheavals, and shows how Toussaint’s faith, independence of mind, and sense of personal dignity served as lifelong sources of strength. Drawing on letters from Toussaint’s friends and admirers, black and white alike, as well as a wealth of historical sources, he brings to life a man who, by defying the strictures of a racist society became an example not only for other black people, but for oppressed and maligned immigrants of all backgrounds.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2003
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About the author
Arthur Jones
16 books3 followersArthur Jones is a journalist and book author. He has published one novel, The Jesus Spy, and 12 non-fiction books, which span biography, spirituality, and economics. During his career as an international print journalist and broadcaster, he focused on Catholic/Christian, financial and political topics.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 12, 2026
Pierre Toussaint's story will be of interest to Catholics simply because a cause for his sainthood is being advanced. For now, the Church honors him with the title "Venerable." To other readers, this biography will introduce a man remarkable for his resourcefulness, success, and gift for friendship.
Author Arthur Jones enriches his account with fascinating descriptions of New York City in the early nineteenth century, the place and time where Toussaint spent his adult life.
Jones traces his subject from life as an enslaved Haitian to a freed resident of New York City, whose skill as a hairdresser brought him into the orbit of socially-prominent families.
Toussaint's temperament, prudence, and generosity won him widespread respect and affection. He enjoyed economic success, and after a catastrophic loss managed to recover enough to provide assistance to many people who turned to him in their own need. Throughout his adult life, Toussaint supported Catholic institutions including schools, churches, and hospitals.
Jones casts a critical eye on the white people in Toussaint's life, freely calling out racism and classism. Pierre Toussaint had no illusions about either phenomenon; in fact, his sensitivity to class distinctions informed his conduct with clients. He pushed back on social injustice quietly but firmly by ensuring that his neighbors would have places to worship, learn, and be healed.
Author Arthur Jones enriches his account with fascinating descriptions of New York City in the early nineteenth century, the place and time where Toussaint spent his adult life.
Jones traces his subject from life as an enslaved Haitian to a freed resident of New York City, whose skill as a hairdresser brought him into the orbit of socially-prominent families.
Toussaint's temperament, prudence, and generosity won him widespread respect and affection. He enjoyed economic success, and after a catastrophic loss managed to recover enough to provide assistance to many people who turned to him in their own need. Throughout his adult life, Toussaint supported Catholic institutions including schools, churches, and hospitals.
Jones casts a critical eye on the white people in Toussaint's life, freely calling out racism and classism. Pierre Toussaint had no illusions about either phenomenon; in fact, his sensitivity to class distinctions informed his conduct with clients. He pushed back on social injustice quietly but firmly by ensuring that his neighbors would have places to worship, learn, and be healed.
March 30, 2025
The subject is worthy, but scant information available to the modern biographer. Therefore uh of the book consists of letters from his friends, general background of the time and places where he lived, and speculation. I’m afraid the real Toussaint would s lost to history. But the general outline of his life and character are interesting and inspiring.
July 13, 2022
Well-researched, interesting in regard to the history of the day and engaging in offering insights into Toussaint. The most informative of the biographies of Pierre Toussaint out there. I would have liked a more extensive set of notes on sources following the biography.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews