Who Was Johnny Appleseed?
The history of the United States, although short compared with much of the world, is still a rich time span filled with many amazing people. The man known as Johnny Appleseed is one such individual. His history is filled with lively, colorful and beloved legends of a kindly and eccentric man who initiated the apple industry to the West during his lifetime, changing the landscape as he traveled.
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Early Life
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The man known as Johnny Appleseed was really named John Chapman, born in Massachusetts on September 26, 1774. After his mother died of tuberculosis a few years later, his father and older sister raised him. Upon reaching the age of 13 he began to apprentice at a local orchard and learned about apples for the first time. At the age of 18, he left Massachusetts for the Western territories to begin his adventures.
Apples
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Popular folklore has Johnny spreading apple trees throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio through generosity. This isn't entirely true, as he planted trees as nurseries and returned periodically to tend them and claim whatever profits sales of trees generated; although usually a small amount. Trees were sold on credit, and he never pressed for payment, or would accept other items in lieu of payment--items like used clothing, food or lodging.
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Religion and Lifestyle
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Johnny believed in the Church of New Jerusalem, based on Edward Swedenborg's writings promoting a simple life. Contrary to the common image of him wearing skins and a pot for a hat, he typically dressed in sackcloth or used clothes, and went without shoes as he preached his religion to anyone who'd listen. He never married, loved animals and lived off the land as a vegetarian.
Death
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Considering his lifestyle and the way he dressed during all times of the year, it's amazing he lived to old age. Johnny died of pneumonia on March 18, 1845, at the age of 71, and is buried in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There is some question of where in Fort Wayne he's buried, but popular consensus is that his grave is located in a small cemetery in that city's Archer Park.
Legacy
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The legend and life of Johnny Appleseed is celebrated at many places in the Midwestern United States. There are a number of festivals honoring him and his accomplishments. The largest is yearly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is called the Johnny Appleseed Festival. Certainly without Johnny, the Midwest would be a very different place today.
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References
- Photo Credit Author images: everystockphoto.com
