# Little Tom — Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life character guide

> Little Tom in Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Tom, Thomas Binney, Rev. Messrs. Thomas Binney

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

## Who they are

A young enslaved boy who becomes a friend to Josiah in childhood.

## Relationships

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

_professional_

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

### [Lord John Russell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/lord_john_russell)

_social_

Little Tom and Lord John Russell are likely connected through the anti-slavery movement, possibly as a symbolic or reported relationship.

### [Samuel Gurney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/samuel_gurney)

_social_

Little Tom and Samuel Gurney are connected through the abolitionist network, possibly as a beneficiary and supporter.

### [James Lightfoot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/james_lightfoot)

_social_

James Lightfoot and Little Tom are likely part of the same abolitionist network, with Lightfoot advocating for Tom's freedom.

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

_friendship_

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

### [David](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/david)

_friendship_

David and Little Tom are fellow enslaved individuals who likely share camaraderie and mutual support in their suffering.

## In the story

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

Josiah and Charlotte's oldest son, who is at the house with Master Amos before the escape.

### [Journey to Canada](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xiii-journey-to-canada)

Josiah's son, who calls out when his mother collapses.

### [XIV: New Scenes and a New Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xiv-new-scenes-and-a-new-home)

Josiah's eldest son, who learns to read at school, reads Psalm 103 to his father, and teaches Josiah to read by firelight.

### [Second Journey on the Underground Railroad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xvii-second-journey-on-the-underground-railroad)

A sick boy left behind with a Quaker family; later recovered and reunited with his family in Canada.

### [Home at Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xviii-home-at-dawn)

Not mentioned in this chapter.

### [XX: Visit to England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/chapters/xx-visit-to-england)

Mentioned as Rev. Thomas Binney, one of the clergymen who received Henson and served on the committee.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/little_tom
- 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