# Amos Riley — Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life character guide

> Amos Riley in Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Master Amos, master Amos, Mr. Amos Riley, Riley, Mr. Amos, Amos Riley, poor Amos

**First appearance:** 0002-i-my-birth-and-childhood

## Who they are

A slaveholder whose whims and debts scatter Josiah's family, forcing the narrator to weigh obedience against the survival of those he loves.

## Relationships

### [Little Tom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/little_tom)

_professional_

Amos Riley is the master of Little Tom, a slave child, and their interactions reflect the power imbalance of slavery.

### [Isaac Riley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/isaac_riley)

_family_

Amos and Isaac Riley are brothers, with Isaac being a cruel slaveholder and Amos often acting as his agent.

### [Robb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/robb)

_professional_

Amos Riley and Robb are likely master and enslaved worker, with Robb being subject to Riley's authority.

### [Josiah Henson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/josiah_henson)

_professional_

Amos Riley is Josiah Henson's slaveholder, exploiting his labor and enforcing brutal discipline.

### [Mr. Francis Newman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/mr_francis_newman)

_social_

Amos Riley and Mr. Francis Newman are acquaintances, likely through business or social dealings in the slaveholding community.

### [Charlotte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/charlotte)

_professional_

Amos Riley is the master of Charlotte, an enslaved woman, and their relationship is defined by exploitation and control.

## In the story

### [My Conversion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/iv-my-conversion)

Grants Josiah permission to attend the meeting but warns him to return immediately afterward.

### [V: Maimed for Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/v-maimed-for-life)

Josiah's master; attempts to seek legal redress for the beating but fails; previously fought with Litton at a tavern.

### [A Responsible Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/vi-a-responsible-journey)

Isaac Riley's brother in Kentucky, the intended recipient of the slaves.

### [VII: A New Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/vii-a-new-home)

Brother of Isaac Riley; Henson's master in Kentucky, who grants him a pass to travel to Maryland.

### [Return to Maryland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/viii-return-to-maryland)

Receives Henson in Kentucky, reveals the trick played by Isaac Riley, and shows little concern over the lost papers.

### [IX: Taken South, Away from Wife and Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/ix-taken-south-away-from-wife-and-children)

Master Amos; arranges for Josiah to go to New Orleans with his son, likely to sell him.

### [X: A Terrible Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/x-a-terrible-temptation)

Master Amos is the intended victim; he is asleep in the cabin when Josiah raises the axe.

### [XI: Providential Deliverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xi-providential-deliverance)

Young master who attempts to sell Josiah but falls ill; becomes dependent on Josiah's care and expresses gratitude.

### [Escape from Bondage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xii-escape-from-bondage)

Master Amos, who unwittingly grants permission for little Tom to visit his mother, enabling the escape.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/amos_riley
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters