Uncle Sam

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Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam name used to designate the U.S. government. The term arose in the War of 1812 and seems at first to have been used derisively by those opposed to the war. Possibly it was an expansion of the letters "U.S." on uniforms and government property, but some sources attribute the origin of the term to Samuel Wilson (1766-1854) of Troy, N.Y. Wilson, whose nickname was Uncle Sam, was an inspector of army supplies. The "U.S." stamped on supplies was referred to as "Uncle Sam" by the workmen. Regardless of origin, the term found wide application and became permanent.

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Uncle Sam

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Uncle Sam Symbolic figure personalizing the USA. The name was first used during the War of 1812. The appearance of Uncle Sam, tall, thin and frock-coated, was developed by 19th-century cartoonists.

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	UNCLE SAM STUMPS CROWD YOUNG OBSERVERS AT A TROY PARADE ARE BAFFLED BY THE MEANING OF A NATIONAL SYMBOL.(CAPITAL REGION) Newspaper article from: Albany Times Union (Albany, NY); 9/12/1994; 700+ words ; ...Byline: MIKE HUREWITZ Staff writer Uncle Sam, a k a Fred Polnisch TROY The city...lecturing to schoolchildren about Uncle Sam's history. For the record, according to Polnisch, Uncle Sam was Sam Wilson, a Troy meatpacker...
	`UNCLE SAM' A GOOD-WILL AMBASSADOR WORLDWIDE.(CAPITAL REGION) Newspaper article from: Albany Times Union (Albany, NY); 7/4/2003; 700+ words ; ...thin goatee, is known as Uncle Sam. He and his wife, Marian...through July 4. As Uncle Sam, he marches in hundreds...the family has amassed Uncle Sam collectibles. One area...and dolls, all with Uncle Sam's picture or face. Family...
	Kindly Uncle Sam is generous to all Newspaper article from: Chicago Sun-Times; 9/10/1990; ; 691 words ; ...a more generous or avuncular uncle than good old Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam would give you the shirt off...might need. And, by the way, Uncle Sam is such a sensitive fellow...like that. The last thing Uncle Sam would ever want to do would be...
	Everybody's Uncle Sam Magazine article from: Boys' Life; 7/1/1996; ; 700+ words ; ...on the bottom half. He's everybody's uncle-Uncle Sam. The Uncle of Our Country Uncle Sam is nothing less than the symbol for the United...family problems or squabbles with neighbors. Uncle Sam Cooks Dinner During the War of 1812 against...
	A makeover for Uncle Sam America's icon may be past his prime, but designing a politically correct symbol may not be easy, and some say we shouldn't try.(Suburban Living) Newspaper article from: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL); 7/4/2002; ; 700+ words ; ...be seen much this Fourth of July. Uncle Sam, the long-legged, flamboyantly...believes it would be a mistake to turn Uncle Sam into a young, snowboarding dude...new ad campaign, "Army of One," Uncle Sam's name didn't even surface...
	Uncle Sam Wants Your Attention;Waldorf Man Is Star-Spangled Embodiment of Recruitment Poster Newspaper article from: The Washington Post; 12/28/1990; ; 700+ words ; ...somehow comforting to meet Uncle Sam. In his high hat, his...in 1974. His career as Uncle Sam began in earnest in...said, `I'll be Uncle Sam.' " Only during the 1960s...fireplace mantel, Snoopy in an Uncle Sam hat, and 13 trophies that...
	WEEKEND CELEBRATION TO HONOR UNCLE SAM WILSON.(Local) Newspaper article from: Albany Times Union (Albany, NY); 9/5/1989; 700+ words ; ...officially honor the man called "Uncle Sam", Troy's most famous citizen...Ambassadors Dixieland Jazz Band, the Uncle Sam Boxing Club featuring professional...Alonzo. Also participating in the Uncle Sam parade will be the cast and producers...
	CLUB SAYS UNCLE SAM DUE STAMP OF APPROVAL.(Local) Newspaper article from: Albany Times Union (Albany, NY); 8/19/1992; 700+ words ; ...writer For the 28 members of the Uncle Sam Stamp Club, there's only one question...could swing the Postal Service in Uncle Sam's direction. "I mean, it's only fair to have an Uncle Sam if you have an Elvis," he said...
	WW II Veteran Wants Uncle Sam Memorial News Wire article from: AP Online; 7/4/2003; ; 700+ words ; ...suit. Americans call him Uncle and people worldwide recognize...itself the Home of Uncle Sam contains few clues about...historical society. An Uncle Sam museum would have to concentrate...proposed museum honoring Uncle Sam on Monday, June 30, 2003...
	HISTORICAL SOCIETY WANTS UNCLE SAM.(Capital Region) Newspaper article from: Albany Times Union (Albany, NY); 7/3/2009; 700+ words ; TROY -- Uncle Sam is an iconic figure known...television show. And Uncle Sam's local supporters have...place to visit to learn about Uncle Sam has never taken off...Street is part of the Uncle Sam exhibit on the first floor...