From the plantation fields of Maryland, to the Georgetown Market, to the plantations of Kentucky; escaping to freedom in Canada, and being introduced to the Queen in England, Josiah Henson led a fascinating life. Born enslaved, Henson eventually escaped and became a respected minister and famed secular leader.

“My Name Is Not Tom” is a biography of Josiah Henson, the man catapulted into fame after Harriet Beecher Stowe noted that events in his life partially influenced the development of her fictional character, Uncle Tom. While previous biographies have relied heavily on Henson’s four autobiographies (dictated under duress), which replicated the myth that he was the sole inspiration for Stowe’s character, “My Name is Not Tom” uses novel primary source research to fill in the untold parts of his extraordinary life. The author examines Henson’s views of slavery and morality, which changed substantially over the course of his life.

About the Author:

Susan Cooke Soderberg is retired as a historian with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and has written several books on state and local history.