Person Information
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Jonathan
Birth: unknown
Death: unknown
Biography
Brother Jonathon was the personification of America before Uncle Sam. The expression "Brother Jonathon" dates back to the English Civil War when it was used as an insulting nickname for the puritans and opponents of the king. Historians tell a story of Washington meeting with officers during the American Revolution and exclaiming that "we must consult brother Jonathon," in reference to Connecticut Governor Jonathon Trumbull. After the Revolution "Brother Jonathon" became personified as a lanky man with a beard, top hat and striped pants. He was used to represent America in political cartoons. During the War of 1812, the personfication of the United States as Brother Jonathon gave way to the personification of the United States as Uncle Sam.
Letter References
Letter from William Henry Seward to Frances Adeline Seward, June 23, 1859
Letter from William Henry Seward to Frances Adeline Seward, June 1, 1859
Citations
Brother Jonathon was the personification of America before Uncle Sam. The expression "Brother Jonathon" dates back to the English Civil War when it was used as an insulting nickname for the puritans and opponents of the king. Historians tell a story of Washington meeting with officers during the American Revolution and exclaiming that "we must consult brother Jonathon," in reference to Connecticut Governor Jonathon Trumbull. After the Revolution "Brother Jonathon" became personified as a lanky man with a beard, top hat and striped pants. He was used to represent America in political cartoons. During the War of 1812, the personfication of the United States as Brother Jonathon gave way to the personification of the United States as Uncle Sam.