Samuel Wilson (September 13, 1766 – July 31, 1854)[1][2] was an American meat packer who lived in Troy, New York, whose name is purportedly the source of the personification of the United States known as "Uncle Sam".

[4] While living in Mason at the young age of fourteen, Wilson joined the Continental Army on March 2, 1781.

Wilson's service to the Army most likely came to an end around October 19, 1781, with the surrender of Cornwallis at the Siege of Yorktown.

He purchased property on Mount Ida (now Prospect Park), closely located to the Hudson River.

On March 8, 1793, Samuel and his brother Ebeneezer leased the western half of lot 112, now 43 Ferry Street, from Jacob Vanderhyden for 30 shillings a year.

[6] His duties included checking freshness and packaging, and ensuring that the barrels were built and packed according to specifications.

[6] Over time, any army property marked U.S. also became linked with Wilson's name, and "Uncle Sam" became a figure of speech to describe the United States.

[7] Monuments mark his birthplace in Arlington, Massachusetts, and site of burial in Troy, New York.

[4][8] Some scholars have pointed out that Wilson may not have been the original creator of the phrase, but may have had a significant role in spreading the name.