Jeffrey Deroine (May 14,1806 – March 28, 1859) was an African American diplomat, trader, and linguist who helped the U.S. Government negotiate numerous treaties with American Indian Tribes in the midwest and west.

Deroine was Joseph Robidoux’s slave and worked at his fur trading post. Deroine became an experienced trader and knew 12 different languages which helped with his trading. He was physically abused by Joseph Robidoux and Deroine sued Robidoux for his freedom in 1822, in St. Louis when he was 16 years old. He claimed he was being held against his will in regions where slavery was illegal. This case became part of a series of lawsuits filed by African Americans at the St. Louis Courthouse that are known as the “Freedom Suits.” After 10 years of legal proceedings and delays, Deroine lost his case, but his freedom was purchased. At this time he began working as a translator for several agencies and for the Office of Indian Affairs. He was the interpreter for the American Indians Nations involved in the Platte Purchase Treaty negotiations, and is signer of that treaty. In 1844 Deroine accompanied 14 members of the Ioway Tribe to Europe where he again acted as an interpreter during conversations between the Loway and the royal families of England and France.

After leaving the government Deroine became a prosperous farmer in St. Joseph.