Tom Christie met Jamie Fraser in Ardsmuire prison when Jamie was essential to keep his fellow soldiers alive.

Tom comes to America upon hearing that Jamie has founded Fraser's Ridge, but his personality clashes with Jamie's and his wife, Claire's.

Tom builds a church and tries to change the ethics of the community, but ultimately, it is Tom who is changed when he realizes how wonderful it is to see a couple on equal footing with each other, as Jamie and Claire.