Pierre Toussaint, a former slave, moved to New York from Saint Domingue (modern day Haiti) with his owners in 1787 as they escaped the unrest on the island.
He and his wife took in refugees and orphans and never.
He was famous for his charitable work and in building up the Catholic Church in New York City.
He became a hair dresser and was befriended and trusted by many of the leading families of New York.
Although freed by the family, he continued to help and serve them as long as they lived.
Pierre Toussaint, a former slave, moved to New York from Saint Domingue (modern day Haiti) with his owners in 1787 as they escaped the unrest on the island