About That Uncle Sam-- Part 3: Most Likely Was Sam Wilson

The true origin of Uncle Sam is disputed, but a resolution of Congress in 1961 declared that an upstate New York meat packer and inspector named Sam Wilson was the original Uncle Sam.  He was a soldier during the American Revolution from Troy, New York,  and provided rations to American troops during the War of 1812.

It is not known whether Wilson's appearance was the inspiration for Uncle Sam's appearance, but James Montgomery Flagg's depiction of the man has certainly stood the test of time.

Flagg's Uncle Sam was used again during World War II.

I had a copy of Flagg's Uncle Sam up in my classroom with the words "For the U.S. Army" covered up and the words "To Do Your Homework" written.  I told my students that no matter where they were in the room, he was looking and pointing directly at them.  I often winder how many stared at him.

--Brock-Perry

About That Uncle Sam-- Part 2: Uncle Sam Poster Based On a British Poster

James Montgomery Flagg was a creator of cartoons, illustrations, and drawings of publications of all sorts.    He worked for advertisers, magazines, newspapers, book publishers and was commissioned by  Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper in  in 1916.  It was a weekly publication  that pioneered in the use of early photography (and illustrations especially during the Civil War) during its 70+ year run and he used himself as a model.

The headline of that week's issue was "What Are You Doing For Preparedness?" At this time, the U.S. was drawing closer to entering the war raging in Europe.   He decided to make a poster of the then-famous recruiting poster of the British Army depicting the famous  Field Marshal Lord Kitchener pointing his finger and looking directly at the viewer and  telling them they're wanted in the British Army.  But he was going to use the likeness of Uncle Sam instead.

Okay, then, so who was this Uncle Sam?

Well that harkens back to our war, the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

About That Uncle Sam-- Part 1: A War of 1812 Connection

From the Jan. 13, 2020, We Are the Mighty  "Uncle Sam is a real guy and his poster is a self-portrait" by Blake Stilwell.

And, he has a War of 1812 connection and a World War I one as well.

In 1917, artist James Montgomery Flagg created his most famous work, a recruiting poster for the U.S. Army as the United States prepared to enter World War I.  It featured a white-haired, white-whiskered old man in an old-timey top hat, coat  and tie in bold red, white, and blue colors.  And the words "I Want You for the U.S. Army."

He was inspired by similar recruiting posters in Europe (which had been at war since 1914). It was designed to appeal to American patriotism.  (I myself like how the finger points to you as well as the eyes follow you when you're looking at it.  That used to really get my students.)

And, it is basically a portrait of Flagg himself.  This article has a photo of Flag next to his creation and you can see the resemblance.

--Brock-Perry

Ten Strange Tales From America's Second War For Independence-- Part 1: Big Role for Kentucky

From the December 5, 2015, Listverse by Debra Kelly.

Of course, you can find much more information at the site.

10.  Kentuckians accounted for 60 percent of the American casualties.  With a population of 400,000, some 25,000 served.  A total of 1,876 Americans were killed in battle and of that, 1,200 were from Kentucky.

9.  Laura Secord was Canada's Paul Revere.

8.  Uncle Sam came about because of the war.

--Brock-Perry

"Uncle Sam" Came From the War of 1812

From Task & Purpose "How Uncle Sam Became An American Icon" by Sarah Sicard.

In a widely accepted story, in 1813, a man from Troy, New York, Samuel Wilson, worked as a meat packer/distributor of beef for the U.S. Army.  When the meat was packaged in barrels, he would stamp "U.S." on the barrel for "United States."

Soldiers, however began referring to the beef as "Uncle Sam's" and it stuck as a nickname for the federal government.

--Brock-Perry