The Sequel to "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Annie Wittenmyer presents Josiah Henson as the living original of Uncle Tom, whose later life surpassed the fate assigned him in Mrs. Stowe’s story. After recovering from a brutal beating, Henson carefully planned an escape from slavery with his wife and children, carrying two small children in a sack on his back through pain and bleeding until the family reached Canada. Illiterate on arrival, he became educated, lost his Southern accent, acquired a fine farm near Dresden on the Sydenham River, and developed into a celebrated speaker. He aided enslaved people as a conductor and guide on the underground railroad during the war and founded a colony near Dresden. Known for his anti-slavery speeches in England, he was welcomed by lords and ladies and received by Queen Victoria at Windsor Palace. He told her that her dominion had made him free and safe, and she gave him a gold-mounted portrait in recognition of his service to the slaves and his interest in those settled in Canada. Henson died in 1883, nearly ninety-four years old.
By Annie Wittenmyer · First published 1895 · Genre: Biography, Historical Nonfiction, Slave Narrative · 1,049 words
First lines
The name of Harriet Beecher Stowe recalls the story of "Uncle Tom's Cabin. " It was a story that thrilled and moved the people of this country as no other story has ever done. Its influence was not a sentimental and transitory one. The shafts of truth were sent home to men's consciences, and were abiding; they live to-day.
It may not, however, be generally known that the hero of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" _did not die till a few years ago_ -- in 1883.
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Genres
- Biography — The work recounts the life, escape, achievements, and final years of Josiah Henson, identifying him as the real-life figure associated with Uncle Tom.
- Historical Nonfiction — It presents factual claims about nineteenth-century slavery, escape to Canada, antislavery activism, and Henson's public career.
- Slave Narrative — Its central subject is Henson's experience of enslavement, brutal treatment, escape with his family, and attainment of freedom.
- Abolitionist Literature — The account condemns slavery, celebrates emancipation and resistance, and emphasizes Henson's service to enslaved people through the Underground Railroad.
Tags
Josiah Henson · Uncle Tom's Cabin · Harriet Beecher Stowe · enslavement in America · escape from slavery · freedom seeking · family escape · Canada West · Dresden, Ontario · Sydenham River · Underground Railroad · abolitionism
What this Textopian page supports
The Sequel to "Uncle Tom's Cabin." is listed on Textopian as an article by Annie Wittenmyer, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Article
- Author: Annie Wittenmyer
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Biography, Historical Nonfiction, Slave Narrative, Abolitionist Literature, African American History
- Length: 1,049 words
- Structure: 1 section, 22 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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