Dan Rice was the first clown in the history of the American circus to gain nationwide fame. His talents were unmatched as an animal trainer, equestrian, writer and singer of comical songs, and owner or manager of circuses bearing his name. He appeared without clown makeup in a costume of red and white stripes along with chin whiskers and a top hat. He called his clown character “Uncle Sam.” It became the model for the “Uncle Sam” which symbolizes the nation.