In her book Uncle Tom’s Journey from Maryland to Canada: The Life of Josiah Henson, Edna M. Troiano recounts the true story of the amazing life of a Maryland hero, Josiah Henson, and why his name has almost disappeared from history.
Born into slavery in LaPlata, MD, Josiah Henson was auctioned off as a child to pay his owner’s debts. After numerous trials and abuse, he earned the trust of his slaveholder by exhibiting intelligence and skill. Daringly, he escaped to Canada with his wife and children. There he established a settlement and school for fugitives, and at great risk of life and liberty repeatedly returned to the United States to help lead over 100 others to freedom along the Underground Railroad. He published a bestselling autobiography and became a popular preacher, lecturer, and international celebrity. He is immortalized as the inspiration for the title character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Accokeek Library.
Book cover depicts Henson meeting Queen Victoria.