He took alot of things from real life

The Character Kenshin was based off if Kawakami Gensai
Watsuki states the man was short skinny and easily mistaken for a female.
Mater of an original word-styl called Shiranui-ryu
Made famous for felling Sakuma Shozan in one swing
This great man was brought low, when he was executed for a crime he did not commit