The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

HENRI CHRISTOPHE

Henri Christophe was King of Haiti. He was born in 1767 in the West Indies and died in 1820. He was employed as a slave in St Domingo on the outbreak of the blacks against the French in 1793. From the commencement of the troubles he signalized himself by his energy, boldness, and activity in many bloody engagements. Toussaint-L'Ouverture gave him the commission of brigadier-general, and he was largely instrumental in driving the French from the island. After the death of Jean Dessalines Henri Christophe became master of the northern part of the island. In 1811 he had himself proclaimed King of Haiti by the name of Henri I. He also sought to perpetuate his name by the compilation of the Code Henri - a digest founded upon the Code Napoleon. His cruelty provoked a revolt, which being unable to quell he shot himself, 1820.
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