# Tom Simmons — The Humbugs of the World character guide

> Tom Simmons in The Humbugs of the World by P. T. Barnum.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Alderman, Alderman Tom Simmons

**First appearance:** 0008-iv

## Who they are

An alderman of such credulous appetite that a petrified man, a painted giant, or any well-told lie could empty his pockets and fill the town's gossip.

## Relationships

### [Sir John Herschel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/sir_john_herschel)

_professional_

Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as employer and assistant or fellow researchers.

### [Sir John Herschel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/sir_john_herschel)

_professional_

Sir John Herschel and Tom Simmons are involved in a professional capacity, possibly as employer and assistant or fellow researchers.

## In the story

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/vii)

A drunken and profane fellow who became an alderman through political bargaining, profited from imprisoning debtors, and raged against a new law limiting imprisonment for debt.

### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/chapters/xlv)

Mentioned as Sanderson, the man who first recognized Joanna as a Bible prodigy and interpreted her visions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters/tom_simmons
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_humbugs_of_the_world_se/characters