Henry Wilson's experience as a workingman would have a double benefit in his political career.  Not only could he identify with average people, but he could demonstrate that unlike his slaveholding oppponents, he worked his way up in a country that allowed him to do so.  His very presence from actual rags to some riches (at least for a time) compelled Republicans to place him on the ticket with Grant as his second vice-president.  Not a bad run for man who had to flee from a poor family and change his name.  We tell his story.