Evening star., 1928-04-22
Capital Sidelights


as "Uncle Sam" but only very few
know the history Of that appellation or
know anything about the man whose
name is handed down for generation
after generation.
Now we have bill before Congress in
which Representative David Hogg OF
Indiana proposes to have memorial
erected to Samuel Wilson, the original
Uncle Sam" who distinguished HIM
self in thes"Lewis and Clark expedi-
ton and in the War Of 1912, and whose
grave is in the Chapel Cemetery at Mer-
riam, Ind. :.
Samuel Wilson, affectionately called
Uncle Sam by all wkJ knew him. was
a typical American citizen representa-
tive of American ideals, and a stanch
defender of American principles, having
accompanied Lewis and Clark on tnelr
expedition in 1804-1805, having been
cited for gallantry for his part as
quarter gunner on the united states
ship Constitution in her historic oattle
with the British ship Guerriere In 1917
and having served in the United states
Army in the War of 1912 as private
in Capt. David Morelands company,
5th Regiment Pennsylvania Militia.
Uncle Sam" Wilson was the father
Of three daughters and seven sons, six OF
whom served in the forces OF the United
States during the Civil War, two OF them
giving their lives in line OF duty.
This original Uncle Sam" was born
lust two weeks after the first shot was
fred for American independence. wnicn
he lived to uphold and protect for 100
years and days, departing this LIE
May Z. 1875.
His sobriouet. "Uncle SAM" through
a we'll known incident while he was en-
nloved as a Government inspector OF
provisions in the War Of 1872, came to
oe used to designate the United states
II America, and for century the ap-
oellation has been familiar throughout
the world.
THE grave of Samuel Wilson is a
site of national historical significance
and should be appropriately and perma-
nentlv marked" Representative Hogg
saws in his resolution.
+ y 4
The House has just passed a bill
authorizing the erection of statue In
Washington on the public park between
Ellicott street, Connecticut avenue and
Thirtv-sixth street northwest, to Gen.
Peter Muhlenberg, the fighting parson
Of the Revolution. who was Lutheran
minister. Representative in Congress,
United States Senator and major gem
eral in the American Army. HIS
real name was Johann Peter Gaorlel
Muhlenbe g. and his father was one OF
the founders of the Lutheran Churcn
in America His mother was a daugn-
ter of Col. Conrad Weiser, jr.. the cele-
brated Indian agent of Colonial days
When he was II he was sent to Ger
many to study for the ministry and
soon after knocked down professor
who had insulted him. quit the school
and enlisted in German regiment,
The story Of his life as told IN the
Congressional Record Of April l6, by
Representative Alfred L. Bulwinkle OF
North Carolina. is a narrative TO STIR
the fancy of youth.
Peter Muhlenberg was friend OF
Washington. Jefferson, Patrick Henry,
Richard Henry Lee, and acquainted
with other famous Virginians Of that
period. In lT74 he was made chair
man OF the committee Of safety IN
Dunrnnre County and some time there
after was appointed a member of the
Virginia House OF BurgeSses. AS a
member of the convention in Virginia
in March. ITS, he gave full support
to Patrick Henry and the other patriots
And when Mr. Henry, after his famous
speech of Give me liberty or give me
death!" moved that the colony be i'm
mediately put in state OF defense,
Muhlenberg seconded the motion.
In December. 1775, resolution was
passed by the Virginia House of Dele
gates providing for six new regiments
to defend the State George Washing
ton and Patrick Henry both urged that
the Lutheran pastor from Woodstock
be commissioned the colonel of one Of
the regiments. A 'sharte time thereafter
Muhlenberg was commissioned the
colonel of the Sth Virginia Regiment.
which subsequently became the famous
German regiment OF the Revolution
Word was broadcast through the
Shenandoah Valley that Pastor Muh-
lenbsrg would speak for the last time
10 his congregation on the last Sunday
In January, l775, The young minister
assembled the pulpit. and In very plain
and simple language told how the
colonists were being wronged and mis-
treated by the mother country. He told
of their sufferings and explained To
them why he considered 1t HIS duty "a
fight for the colonists and against the
English government. Then came an
incident unparalleled in the history OF
any country. Suddenly he said
In the language Of Holy Writ there
Is time for all things, time 20 preach
and time to pray: but there is also a
time to fight and that time has now
comet"
He threw of his robe and stood be.
fore his congregation in the uniform of
a Virginia colonel Pronouncing the
benediction. he descended from the pull
pit and ordered the drums 70 beat at
the church door for recruits. Three
hundred men enlisted that day In his
regiment.
For seven years Muhlenbers served as
an officer in the American forces, rising
to major general After battle on
April rs. 1881. Baron Won Steuhen
wrote to the Continental Congress COM
mending the valor and the courage of
Gen. Muhlenherg. In the last fight at
yorktown the Virginia Brigade was
commanded BY Muhlenberg Washing
ton. Lafayette. Won Steuben and other
military men of the Revolutionary War
recognized the ability Of Gen. Muhlen-
berg as soldier and repeatedly COM
mended him for his services TO the
colonies.
He was elected TO the Legislature of
the State OF Pennsylvania and became
vice president of the Common Council
OF which Franklin was the president.
He and his brother. Frederick Mullen
berg, both members OF the constitu-
tlonal convention In Pennsylvania. used
their full influence for the adoption of
the Constitution OF the United States.
In 1893. after the adoption of the
Constitution, he and his brother Fred
erick. were both elected members OF the
First Congress from Pennsylvania
Frederick Muhlenherg was elected the
nrst Speaker of the House OF Repre-
sentatiyes
Busy Time Ahead.
From the Boston Transcript
The period between Easter ard July S