Brother Jonathan was a name for any patriotic American during and after the Revolutionary War in America (1775-1783). It meant the person was especially interested in helping the cause of the country. Later, the name was used to refer to the whole nation, in much the same way that Uncle Sam now stands for the United States government.
There is a popular story about how the name Brother Jonathan originated. According to this story, the name was given by George Washington to his friend Jonathan Trumbull. Trumbull, an ardent patriot, was governor of Connecticut from 1769 to 1784. When Washington was trying to organize the Continental Army, he often asked Trumbull for help. Trumbull was in a position to supply food, ammunition, and advice. Whenever he needed advice or supplies, Washington would say, “We must ask Brother Jonathan about this subject.” After he became president in 1789, Washington frequently used the expression, “Let us ask Brother Jonathan,” when he had a matter to put before Congress. So the United States itself, represented by Congress, gradually took on the name Brother Jonathan.
