Jonathan is listed as the eighth of eleven children and a twin to John Watson Bonawit.

Married: May 18, 1869

Children: In addition to those linked below--
Vernice Luella Bonawit
b. September 27, 1891
m. Grover Putnam (b. January 23, 1888)

According to Oby Bonawit, Jonathan was a farmer and "lived in Scott Twp. all his life except from May 24, 1864 to June 25, 1865 when he served in the Union Army in Company F of the 126th O.V.I. His fighting was nearly all in Virginia, culminating in battles at Petersburg that led to General Lee's surrender. His kindly nature and generosity made him popular with the children of Rising sun. School was recessed so students could attend his funeral."

Jonathan owned and farmed the 80 acres cleared by his father, Jacob.
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It is doubtful that a birth record exists for Jonathan. As the story is told, his Civil War pension was being held up as he was having trouble proving when he was born. Fortunately, Henry Bierly was able to help as his parents were both doctors who helped deliver babies. Jonathan's birth was particularly memorable for the Bierlys not because he was a twin, but because Mrs. Dr. Bierly had given birth to Henry not long before, and she had just been up and active enough to help at the delivery. Henry was somehow able to convince the authorities of his own birth date and, it is thought, had a record of his mother's attendance when Jonathan and his brother entered the world.

~This story was passed down to Henry's granddaughter Joy Opal Fox Mercer and was recorded by her in two letters to Laurel Bonawit Onsel, one dated August 18, 1974. A check of the birthdates did not collaborate the story, but the point is that vital statistics were not recorded in 1842 with the exactness that they are today. :-)