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Samuel Wilson, a native of Arlington, was affectionately called "Uncle Sam" by his friends. A meat packer and inspector in later life, he was inspector of supplies for the government during the War of 1812 and stamped all that he inspected "U. S." for United States. The soldiers began referring to items so marked as belonging to "Uncle Sam." In the beginning he was clean shaven, wearing a tail coat and top hat. Cartoonist added red pants during Andrew Jackson's presidency and during the Civil War they grew him a beard. Thus a symbol of the United Sates as true to Americans as Santa Claus is to Christmas was born. Yes, Uncle Sam was a real person! |
