Faustin E. Wirkus

Who was Faustin E. Wirkus?

Faustin Edmond Wirkus was a Polish-American U.S. Marine stationed in Haiti during the U.S. Occupation. After rescuing a young woman in trouble he found out that she was Queen Timemenne of La Gonave.

Promoted to a lieutenant in the Haitian Garde he was officer commanding a squad of native troops on La Gonave, he was welcomed by the population as Timemenne had told them how kind he was to her. Somewhat bizarrely the natives proclaimed him Faustin II and he ruled jointly with Queen Timemenne for eight years. He became known for dispensing ready but gentle justice.

William Seabrook published Wirkus' account of the occupation in his travel narrative, The Magic Island.