By Josiah Henson. An Inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom, Henson's autobiography is a firsthand account by the man widely regarded as the person who provided much of the material for the revered character in Uncle Tom's Cabin. Henson recalls his childhood, forced separation from his wife and children, escape to Canada, role as "conductor" on the Underground Railroad, and meeting with Queen Victoria in England. Dover Publications (2003), English, Paperback: 224.