Samuel Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Wilson
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Portrait of Wilson in the 1850s.
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| Born | September 13, 1766 |
| Died | July 31, 1854 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Meat-packer |
| Known for | Linkage to "Uncle Sam" |
| Spouse(s) |
Betsey Mann
(m. 1797) |
| Children | 5 |
Samuel Wilson (born September 13, 1766, died July 31, 1854) was an American businessman. He worked as a meat packer in Troy, New York. Many people believe his name is the origin of "Uncle Sam", a famous symbol of the United States.
Contents
Samuel Wilson's Life Story
Samuel Wilson was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, on September 13, 1766. His parents were Edward and Lucy Wilson. His family had Scottish roots from his grandfather, Robert Wilson. When Samuel was a boy, his family moved to Mason, New Hampshire.
Joining the Continental Army
When Samuel was just 14 years old, he joined the Continental Army. This was on March 2, 1781, during the American Revolutionary War. His job was to guard and care for cattle. He also helped with slaughtering and packaging meat for the soldiers. Keeping the meat safe was very important during the war. Enemies sometimes tried to poison food supplies. Samuel's time in the Army likely ended around October 19, 1781. This was when the British General Cornwallis surrendered at the Siege of Yorktown.
Moving to New York
In 1789, when Samuel was 22, he and his older brother Ebeneezer moved to Troy, New York. They walked all the way! The Wilson brothers were among the first people to settle in Troy. Troy was a good place to live because it was close to the Hudson River. Samuel and Ebeneezer started several successful businesses together. They also worked for the city.
Samuel bought land near the Hudson River. This land had special clay, which was perfect for making bricks. So, Samuel started a new business making bricks. His bricks were the first ones made in Troy. Many old buildings in Troy still have bricks made by Wilson. This was a big deal because most bricks at that time came from the Netherlands.
On March 8, 1793, Samuel and Ebeneezer leased some land. This was the year they started E & S Wilson, their meat business. Their slaughterhouse was located between Adams Street and Jefferson Street. They also built a dock by the Hudson River. Being so close to the river helped their meat business grow a lot.
Family Life and Community Work
In 1797, Samuel went back to Mason, New Hampshire. He married Betsey Mann there. Samuel and Betsey had four children: Polly, Samuel, Benjamin, and Albert.
Samuel was not just a businessman; he was also very active in the Troy community. On April 12, 1808, he became an Office Assessor for the city. A few days later, he became a Path Master, which is like a road commissioner today.
Samuel Wilson and the War of 1812
Samuel Wilson is most famous for his role during the War of 1812. As soldiers gathered for training, there was a huge need for meat. The Secretary of War made a contract with Elbert Anderson Jr. to supply food for the troops in New York and New Jersey. Samuel and Ebeneezer Wilson's company, E & S Wilson, won a contract to supply 2,000 barrels of pork and 3,000 barrels of beef.
Samuel was then chosen to be a meat inspector for the U.S. Army. His job was to check that the meat was fresh. He also made sure the barrels were built and packed correctly. Each barrel was marked "E.A.-U.S." This meant "Elbert Anderson, United States."
Most of the Wilson brothers' meat went to a camp in Greenbush, New York. Soldiers from Troy who knew Samuel Wilson and his nickname "Uncle Sam" started to connect him with the "U.S." stamp on the barrels. Over time, any army property marked "U.S." became linked to Samuel Wilson's nickname. That's how "Uncle Sam" became a way to describe the United States!
Samuel Wilson's Legacy
Samuel Wilson passed away on July 31, 1854, at 87 years old. He was first buried in Mt. Ida Cemetery. Later, his remains were moved to Oakwood Cemetery in Troy. There are monuments that mark his birthplace in Arlington, Massachusetts, and his burial site in Troy, New York. A special sign in Mason, New Hampshire, marks his childhood home. It is called "Uncle Sam's House."
Some historians say that Samuel Wilson might not have been the very first person to use the phrase "Uncle Sam." However, he definitely helped make the name popular. On September 15, 1961, the United States Congress passed a resolution. It officially honored Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York, as the "progenitor of America's National symbol of Uncle Sam." This means they recognized him as the person who started the idea of Uncle Sam as a national symbol.
Gallery
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Uncle Sam Memorial Statue, Arlington, Massachusetts
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Uncle Sam statue detail
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Samuel Wilson detail
See also
In Spanish: Samuel Wilson para niños
