Possibly the most iconic image of “Uncle Sam.” An internet search reveals that an 1810 edition of Niles’ Weekly Register has a footnote defining Uncle Sam as “a cant term in the army for the United States.” Presumably, it came from the abbreviation of the United States of America: U.S. Although the precise origin of “Uncle Sam” is unknown, this item agrees with the accepted origin. (Photo Provided)

ORIGINAL UNCLE SAM NOW DEAD; WAS HOOSIER.Kendaville, Ind., March 24 [1928]

Discovery of the identity of the man who inspired the mythical Uncle Sam, known throughout the world by his gangling physique, chin whiskers and high hat, is claimed by Mrs. Louise B. Young, Kendaville newspaperwoman.

He was Samuel Wilson, who died in Kosciusko County, Ind., March 7, 1878, according to relatives whom Mrs. Young has interviewed.

Tired of the notoriety he had received as being the original Uncle Sam of song, story and caricature, Wilson, according to the story, moved to Indiana after the Civil War, and his family agreed to keep quiet about the attention he had gotten. The story was obtained at last through Wilson’s 93-year-old son, John M. Wilson, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Clara Zumbaugh, both of Albion, Ind.

Samuel Wilson was employed during the war with Great Britain by Elbert Anderson, who conducted a general supply store at Troy-on-the-Hudson, New York. The store was converted in 1812 into a government supply headquarters and Wilson became quartermaster. One of his duties was to examine and mark all packages for government use.

Wilson always placed a mark – E.A.-U.S. on each package, the U.S. standing for Uncle Sam, as Wilson generally was known in that district. Asked the meaning of the initials on the various packages, a longshoreman declared: “For Albert Anderson, the commissary and Uncle Sam, is superintendent, for he and the United States are the same, they represent the government too.”

Meant as a joke, the idea took hold, and it was not long before “Uncle Sam” Wilson became the personification of the United States the world over. Uncle Sam, the mythical gentleman representing the country, became the butt of many caricatures and jokesters, especially during the Civil War. Apparently, this did not meet with the approval of Wilson.

“Uncle Sam” had varied experiences. He was on board the Constitution in the famous 25-minute battle when the Guerriere was sunk off Cape Race. In that battle he was cited for gallantry by Captain Isaac Hull, and when he was honorably discharged he received two land warrants from the government. The land on which his son lives was obtained by one of the warrants.

The Parkersburg News

March 25, 1928

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Is The Smallest Boy in the Navy. – John Mortimer, Jr., of Parkersburg, is the smallest apprentice boy in the service of the United States.

He was one of the forty boys of the training ship Monongahela and is now on the receiving ship Richmond at League Island Navy Yard. Johnny is three inches below the height of 5 feet 2 inches required by the enlistment regulations. He is also one of the youngest boys in the navy.

Excerpt from The Parkersburg Daily State Journal, July 10, 1901

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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society. If you have comments or questions about Look Back items, please contact him at: roberteenoch@gmail.com, or by mail at WCHPS, PO Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.