the profitable meat business. Their slaughterhouse was located between Adams (now Congress) Street and Jefferson Street. The brothers took advantage of their prime location and built a dock at the foot of what is now Ferry Street. Having such access to the Hudson River enabled E & S Wilson to prosper. Marriage and children Wilson returned to Mason, New Hampshire, in 1797, to marry Betsey Mann, daughter of Captain Benjamin Mann. Samuel and Betsey were parents to four children, Polly (1797–1805), Samuel (1800–1807), Benjamin (1802–59), and Albert (1805–66). Wilson not only was a pioneer of Troy, he was active in the community, as well as an employee of the city. On April 12, 1808, he took an oath as Office Assessor. Four days later he took an Oath of Office as Path Master (now more commonly known as road commissioner). War of 1812 Wilson's career role during the War of 1812 is what he is most noted for today. As troops gathered in camps for equipping and training, the demand for a supply of meat for the troops had significantly increased. Secretary of War William Eustis made a contract with Elbert Anderson Jr. of New York City to supply and issue all rations necessary for the United States forces in New York and New Jersey for one year. Anderson ran an advertisement on October 6, 13, and 20 looking to fill the contract. The Troy, New York firm of Ebenezer & Samuel Wilson secured the contract for 2,000 barrels of pork and 3,000 barrels of beef for one year. Wilson was subsequently appointed meat inspector for the U.S. Army. His duties included checking freshness and packaging, and ensuring that the barrels were built and packed according to specifications. Each barrel was marked "E.A.-U.S.", indicating "Elbert Anderson, United States". The majority of E & S Wilson's meat was shipped to a camp of 6,000 soldiers in Greenbush, New York, where soldiers from Troy who were acquainted with Samuel Wilson and his nickname "Uncle Sam" made an association between Wilson and the "U.S." stamp. 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. Historical legacy Wilson died July 31, 1854, at the age of 87. He was originally buried in Mt. Ida Cemetery, but later transferred to Oakwood Cemetery in Troy. Monuments mark his birthplace