New York Subway Toussaint Family Framed Tile Set Tile

TOUSSAINT FAMILY FRAMED TILE SET

Anthony Meucci (active 1823-1826)
Pierre Toussaint (1766-1853), 1825
Mrs. Pierre Toussaint (1786-1851), 1825
Euphemia Toussaint (1815-1829), ca. 1825
Watercolor on ivory, 3.25 x 2.625 inches
Gift of Miss Georgina Schuyler
2005 New-York Historical Society (1920.4)



Pierre Toussaint

Born into slavery in Santo Domingo, Haiti, Pierre Toussaint was brought to New York around 1787 by Jean Brard, a wealthy French landowner. When Brard returned to Haiti and suddenly died, leaving his young widow in New York without means, Toussaint took care of her until her death. One of the most successful and fashionable hairdressers in New York City, he discreetly supported Mme. Brard with his earnings while personally nursing the sick and providing a home for orphans and refugees displaced by the Haitian Revolution. He had bought many slaves' freedom before Mme. Brard gave him his own as she lay on her deathbed in 1807.



Mrs. Pierre Toussaint

Mrs. Pierre Toussaint, Juliette Noel, was the daughter of a nurse who was the slave of a French family. When she was 15, Pierre Toussaint purchased her freedom. The two were married a decade later, in 1811. Mrs. Toussaint supported Pierre in his philanthropic endeavors, as well as playing an independent role in public works and charity. When she died in 1851, Juliette left Pierre bereft of spirit. While he continued to help others as he had in the past, he died two years and one month later.



Euphemia Toussaint

Euphemia Toussaint was Pierre and Juliette Toussaint's niece by Pierre's sister, Rosalie. Very close to her uncle, Euphemia would compose letters to him to work on her writing skills. When Rosalie died of tuberculosis in 1817, her aunt and uncle adopted her. Unfortunately, she was soon to follow her mother, dying of the same disease when she was 14.

Three 4x4 ceramic tiles in black wooden frame, suitable for hanging or easel display.