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Uncle Sam (U.S.) and United States (U.S.) 

Did you put 2 and 2 together - both Uncle Sam and the United States have the same initials. The now legendary character stems from Mr. Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, NY. 

Mr. Wilson was born in Massachusetts and a descendant of one of the oldest families of Boston. Mr. Wilson was a patriotic man from the beginning. He enlisted in the Continental Army in 1781. Some of his duties involved caring for cattle, as well as slaughtering and packaging the meat.

After the Army, Samuel and his older brother relocated to Troy, NY. Both brothers started a profitable meat business.

Troops were gathered in a variety of localities during the War. 

The Secretary of War, William Eustis contracted with Mr. Elbert Anderson Jr of New York City to supply meat to American forces in New York and New Jersey for one year. Mr. Anderson searched for a meat packing business to fulfill this need. In the end, Mr. Samuel Wilson's business secured the contract for 2,000 barrels of pork and 3,000 barrels of beef for one year.

These barrels were stamped with "U.S."  to indicate government property. Each barrel was stamped and marked "E.A. - U.S." - Elbert Anderson, United States. Legend has it that soldiers began joking that the "U.S." stood for "Uncle Sam" Wilson, associating their provisions with the friendly and familiar figure of Sam Wilson.

The association of the marked stamp changed to "U.S." - Uncle Sam, as a reference to Mr. Samuel Wilson's business. Over time, any army property marked U.S. also became linked with Wilson's name - and that's how "Uncle Sam" became a figure of speech to describe the United States.

This local story gained traction and was further popularized by political cartoonists, most notably Thomas Nast in the late 19th century. Nast, known as the "Father of the American Cartoon," played a significant role in shaping the modern image of Uncle Sam,  along with other American symbols like the Republican elephant and the Democratic donkey.

The most familiar depiction of Uncle Sam is based on a recruitment poster for World War I, famously featuring the slogan "I Want You for U.S. Army." This image was created by James Montgomery Flagg in 1917 and shows Uncle Sam pointing directly at the viewer,  making a compelling call to action. Uncle Sam is typically portrayed as a stern but benevolent elderly man with white hair and a goatee, dressed in clothing that mirrors the U.S. flag—stars and stripes. He wears a tall top hat and blue jacket, embodying the  essence of American freedom, integrity, and strength.

He isn't as widely known as Uncle Sam, but Neeraj Shah is starting to be known as Penfield's Tax Man. 

The Tax Man is often seen at the Penfield Wegmans - sometimes twice a day. On occasion, people approach him at the produce section. They always start with a smile and say, "quick question..." Neeraj usually responds with a similar smile and say, "nice oranges 🍊  - call 585-388-8388 and book an appointment tomorrow. " 😉

Uncle Sam and the Tax Man - both legends in their own right!

You are probably paying more for your tax preparation than our rates. We are here to support you, and we won't let you down. Don't opt for an inferior product; your refund depends on it!​ Don't wait until you get all your forms.