The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Faustin I

FAUSTIN I, , dictator of Haiti: b. Petit Goave, Haiti, 1785; d. 6 Aug. 1867. He came of a poor negro family and in early life was servant to General Lamarre. In 1803 he took part in the negro insurrection and subsequently was made a captain by President Boyer. In 1844-47 Faustin was striving for power in the new Haitian Republic, after the defection of La Republica Dominicana, holding at that time the offices of governor of Port-au-Prince, and commander of the Presidential Guard. The Senate chose him President in 1847, thinking that he would be amenable to the will of that body, but he soon showed his independence and instigated a massacre of the mulattoes in Port-au-Prince on 16 April 1848. He had himself proclaimed emperor in 1849, and for 10 years ruled with iron severity and cruelty. In 1858 General Geffrard overthrew Faustin's government, forced him to abdicate and exiled him to Jamaica. He returned to Haiti a short time before his death.