Jonathan, a sleek old widower. He was a parish orphan, whom Sir Benjamin Dove apprenticed, and then took into his family. When Jonathan married, the knight gave him a farm, rent-free and well stocked. On the death of his wife, he gave up the farm, and entered the knight’s service as butler. Under the evil influence of Lady Dove, this old servant was inclined to neglect his kind master; but Sir Benjamin soon showed him that, although the lady was allowed to peck him, the servants were not.—R. Cumberland, The Brothers (1769).
Jonathan, one of the servants of General Harrison.—Sir W. Scott, Woodstock (time, Commonwealth).
Jonathan, an attendant on Lord Saville.—Sir W. Scott, Peveril of the Peak (time, Charles II.).
Jonathan (Brother), a national nickname for an American of the United States. In the Revolutionary war, Washington used to consult his friend, Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, in all his difficulties. “We must ask brother Jonathan,” was so often on his lips, that the phrase became synonymous with the good genius of the States, and was subsequently applied to the North Americans generally.
Jones (Tom), the hero of a novel by Fielding, called The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749). Tom Jones is a model of generosity, openness, and manly spirit, mingled with thoughtless dissipation. With all this, he is not to be admired; his reputation is flawed, he sponges for a guinea, he cannot pay his landlady, and he lets out his honor to hire.
Jones (Mrs.), the waiting-woman of Lady Penfeather.—Sir. W. Scott, St. Ronan’s Well (time, George III.).
Jonson (Ben), the poet, introduced by Sir Walter Scott in his Woodstock. Shakespeare is introduced in the same novel.
Jopson (Jacob), farmer at the village near Clifton.
Cicely Jopson, Jacob’s daughter. She marries Ned Williams.—Sir W. Scott, Waverley (time, George II.).
Jordan (Mrs.), the actress, who lived with the duke of Clarence, was Miss Dorothea Bland. She called herself Dora, first appeared in York as Miss Francis, and changed her name at the request of an aunt who left her a little property. When the change of name was debated between her and the manager, Tate suggested “Mrs. Jordan,” and gave this very pertinent reason: