# Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life — Character guide

> Key figures in Father Henson’s Story of His Own Life by Josiah Henson.

- [Josiah Henson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/josiah_henson.md): The narrator and protagonist, an enslaved man who escapes to Canada and becomes a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
- [Amos Riley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/amos_riley.md): Josiah's harsh master who separates him from his family and sells him south.
- [Isaac Riley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/isaac_riley.md): Brother of Amos Riley, a cruel slaveholder who beats Josiah and later sells him.
- [Charlotte](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/charlotte.md): Josiah's wife, who remains in Maryland when he is taken south and later reunites with him in Canada.
- [James Lightfoot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/james_lightfoot.md): A fellow enslaved man who travels with Josiah and later helps him on the Underground Railroad.
- [Mr. Francis Newman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/mr_francis_newman.md): A kind white man who helps Josiah and his family escape to Canada.
- [Samuel Gurney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/samuel_gurney.md): An English Quaker philanthropist who supports Josiah's work and helps him in London.
- [Bryce Litton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/bryce_litton.md): A slave trader who purchases Josiah and takes him south.
- [Mr. Hibbard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/mr_hibbard.md): A white man who hires Josiah and treats him relatively well.
- [Little Tom](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/little_tom.md): A young enslaved boy who becomes a friend to Josiah in childhood.
- [Mr. Isaac](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/mr_isaac.md): A slaveholder who briefly owns Josiah after a sale.
- [David](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/david.md): Josiah's brother, also enslaved, who appears early in the narrative.
- [Robb](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/robb.md): A fellow enslaved man on the Riley plantation.
- [Mrs. Riley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/mrs_riley.md): Wife of Amos Riley, who manages the household slaves.
- [Mr. Frank Taylor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/mr_frank_taylor.md): A white man who assists Josiah during his escape.
- [Amos Lawrence](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/amos_lawrence.md): A Massachusetts philanthropist who supports abolitionist causes.
- [Victoria](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/victoria.md): Queen Victoria, mentioned in connection with Josiah's visit to England.
- [Dr. Josiah McPherson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/dr_josiah_mcpherson.md): A doctor who treats Josiah after a severe injury.
- [Lord John Russell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters/lord_john_russell.md): British statesman who meets Josiah during his London visit.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/father_henson_s_story_of_his_own_life_se/characters