Josiah Henson

David

David is a fellow enslaved person and companion to Josiah Henson, sharing hardships and mutual support.

Amos Riley

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

Lord John Russell

Josiah Henson and Lord John Russell are allies in the abolitionist cause, with Russell supporting Henson's work.

Little Tom

Josiah Henson and Little Tom share a bond as fellow enslaved individuals, with Henson possibly acting as a mentor or protector.

Samuel Gurney

Josiah Henson and Samuel Gurney are allies in the abolitionist movement, with Gurney supporting Henson's efforts.

Mr. Francis Newman

Josiah Henson and Mr. Francis Newman are acquaintances within the abolitionist network, with Newman likely sympathetic to Henson's cause.

Father Henson's Story of His Own Life

Narrator and central figure, recounting his childhood and the traumatic events that shaped his life.

I: My Birth and Childhood

Narrator and subject of the chapter; born June 15, 1789, in Charles County, Maryland.

My First Great Trial

Narrates his early childhood, including being named by Dr. McPherson, witnessing the auction, being sold to Robb, falling ill, and finally being reunited with his mother.

My Boyhood and Youth

Narrates his boyhood and youth, describing his early work, physical prowess, and rise to overseer.

My Conversion

Experiences a transformative religious conversion after hearing his first sermon; begins praying and preaching to other slaves.

V: Maimed for Life

Narrates the chapter; is ambushed and severely beaten by Bryce Litton, resulting in permanent maiming; continues as superintendent.

A Responsible Journey

Narrator and leader of the journey; marries, takes on the responsibility of transporting slaves to Kentucky, struggles with the temptation to escape to freedom.

VII: A New Home

Narrator and protagonist; becomes a Methodist preacher, experiences deep guilt and resolve, and begins his quest for freedom.

Return to Maryland

Returns to Maryland, experiences betrayal and despair, and struggles to secure his freedom.

IX: Taken South, Away from Wife and Children

Narrator and protagonist; forced onto a flatboat to New Orleans, he learns navigation and takes over after the captain goes blind; visits old companions in Vicksburg.

X: A Terrible Temptation

Struggles with despair and homicidal rage; nearly murders Master Amos but is stopped by his Christian conscience.

XI: Providential Deliverance

Narrator and protagonist; pleads not to be sold, nurses Master Amos back to health, and resolves to escape slavery.

Escape from Bondage

Protagonist who plans and leads the escape, carrying his two youngest children in a knapsack.

Journey to Canada

Narrator and leader of the escape, carrying his children and guiding his family through the wilderness.

XIV: New Scenes and a New Home

Arrives in Canada as a stranger, finds work with Mr. Hibbard, cleans a pigsty for his family's home, acquires property, resumes preaching, and learns to read from his son Tom.

Life in Canada

Narrator and central figure; works for Mr. Riseley, organizes meetings to encourage land ownership, explores Canada for settlement sites, and appeals to the legislature.

Conducting Slaves to Canada

Narrator and leader of the escape mission; travels alone to Kentucky and guides a party of thirty slaves to Canada.

Second Journey on the Underground Railroad

Narrator and leader of the second Underground Railroad journey; orchestrates the escape of the Lightfoot family and reflects on his broader mission.

Home at Dawn

Narrator and leader; lectures on economics, calls convention, advocates for manual-labor school, purchases land at Dawn.

Lumbering Operations

Initiates and oversees the construction of a sawmill in Canada, travels to Boston to secure funding, and manages the lumber enterprise.

XX: Visit to England

Visits England to raise funds for the Manual Labor School, faces accusations of imposture, and is vindicated by a committee of English gentlemen.

The World's Fair in London

Exhibits black walnut boards at the World's Fair, asserts his Canadian citizenship, and receives a medal and visit from Queen Victoria.

Visits to the Ragged Schools

Narrator and speaker at Ragged Schools and public meetings; recounts his experiences and interactions with English dignitaries.

Closing Up My London Agency

Narrator and protagonist; closes his London agency, publishes his narrative, and rushes home to his dying wife.

Closing Chapter

Narrator reflecting on the progress and prospects of fugitive slaves in Canada.

List of Illustrations

Subject of the illustrations listed in this chapter.