what is origin of "Uncle Sam"?

Question

as the charachter associated with America

Sam Clemens? Samuel of history?

Answer 1

Uncle Sam is the culmination of a tradition of representative male icons in America which can be traced well back into colonial times
Here's the link:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CAP/SAM/sam.htm

Answer 2

Uncle Sam is the cartoon embodiment of the government of the United States of America, a character who appeared in newspapers and magazines beginning in the first part of the 19th century. The commonly accepted version of his origin, or at least the best explanation anyone's been able to supply, is that he was modelled after Samuel Wilson, a meat purveyor to the United States army during the War of 1812. Known as "Uncle Sam," Wilson put his initials on his goods. The initials U.S. were also taken to stand for United States. Over the years Uncle Sam evolved into a tall, white-haired man with beard, sporting patriotic colors and a top hat. The most common modern image can be traced to his depiction by James Montgomery Flagg from 1916, for a military recruitment poster calling "I Want YOU For the U.S. Army."

http://www.answers.com/topic/uncle-sam

See also:
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CAP/SAM/sam.htm

Answer 3

It could be Uncle Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York, meat supplier to the army. Or it could be gaelic Stait Aontaithe Mhericea, irish immigrants nickname for their new country.

Answer 4

I think World War I (maybe II), when shipments to the soldiers went overseas marked US and there was a guy named Sam (I forget his last name now) that helped in shipping. The soldiers said they got their supplies from their Uncle Sam.

Answer 5

Nope it was a mascot on an army recruiting poster. Not quite sure wich war but it was one of the big ones WW1, WW2, Civil War.