Hello, Winnie Griggs here. Today is National Johnny Appleseed Day and it just so happens that the current book I’m working on takes place in and around an apple orchard, so I thought doing a little research into the man of the hour might be fun. Here is a little of what I learned:
Few figures from American folklore are as beloved and iconic as Johnny Appleseed. Born John Chapman on September 26, 1774, in Leominister, Massachusetts, he became an emblem of the American frontier spirit, a nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. His story is a fascinating blend of fact and myth, illustrating how one man’s simple mission can grow into legend.
John Chapman, later known as Johnny Appleseed, embarked on a journey that would engrave his name in the heart of American history. The seeds of his mission (pun intended 🙂 ) were planted early in his life, shaped by a blend of frontier hardship and a personal calling. Moving westward with his brother, Chapman’s venture into apple planting wasn’t just for profit but was also driven by a spiritual mission believed to be influenced by his adherence to the Swedenborgian Church. This church preached the harmonious coexistence with nature, a principle that Chapman took to heart.
With a sack of apple seeds on his back, Chapman set off into the American wilderness, planting nurseries from Pennsylvania through Ohio to Indiana. His method was unique; he would create a small nursery, fence it off with fallen timber to protect it from animals, and leave it in the care of a local settler, whom he’d instruct in its care, promising to return every year or two to tend to it. This approach not only spread apple orchards across America but also established a network of nurseries that would bear fruits for many years to come.
The image of Johnny Appleseed wandering barefoot, with a tin pot hat, and a sack of seeds, has been etched into the American consciousness. While the tin pot is likely a myth, the essence of his simplicity and his kindness towards humans and animals alike is well documented. Unlike the folklore that paints him solely as a wandering planter, Chapman was also a savvy businessman, understanding the importance of land rights and the value of his nurseries.
Johnny Appleseed’s contribution to American agriculture cannot be overstated. By the time of his death in 1845, he had introduced apple orchards to a significant part of the American Midwest, laying the groundwork for a thriving apple industry. His work ensured that settlers had access to apple trees for food, cider, and community building. Beyond agriculture, his efforts were a testament to the power of one individual’s impact on the environment and economy.
Today, Johnny Appleseed’s legacy is celebrated in festivals, parks, and statues across the country. In fact, Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated on two days each year, March 11, the anniversary of his passing and Sept. 26 his birthday. He is remembered not just for his contribution to agriculture but as a symbol of generosity, environmental stewardship, and the pioneering spirit. His life story encourages us to live in harmony with nature and reminds us of the impact one person can have on the world.
Here are a few bits of trivia and fun facts about John Chapman/Johnny Appleseed
- He planted his first apple nursery on the bank of Brokenstraw Creek, south of Warren, Pennsylvania.
- He was against grafting and insisted that apple trees grow naturally.
- He was reputed to have a remarkable ability to calm agitated horses.
- The rather small, tart apples that came from the trees Chapman usually planted were not intended for eating. Instead they were used to make hard cider and a kind of brandy called applejack. As these were two of the primary alcoholic beverages of the day it was a more profitable crop than eating apple varieties.
- In addition to apple trees Chapman also planted medicinal plants which he sometimes shared with Native Americans. In fact the local Indians welcomed him wherever he traveled.
- Nathaniel Chapman, John’s father, fought in the Revolutionary War. One of the battles he took part in was the Battle of Bunker Hill. Nathaniel was a skilled carpenter and he was often sent behind the lines to fix wagons and help construct forts.
- The seeds he used for planting his trees came from the cider mills who gave them to him for free. The mills considered them a disposable by-product.
- During his lifetime, John walked an impressive distance – more than 4000 miles. He actually planted apple orchards in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, and Ontario, Canada.
- He died in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and there is an official gravesite marker for him in the Johnny Appleseed Park there. However there is some dispute over whether he is really buried there. Some say he was buried in an unmarked spot beside a nearby river but with an unknown specific location. Still others claim he is buried in the family cemetery, again in an unmarked grave but this time the location was confirmed by witnesses to his funeral.
- Despite his legendary status, Johnny Appleseed lived a life of modesty and simplicity, embodying the virtues he preached.
- During Prohibition the FBI tore down many of the orchards he planted as part of their efforts to prevent the making of illegal homemade hard cider. But you can still find one of his trees in the town of Nova, Ohio. It’s more than 175 years old and still produces tart apples that are ideal for baking, applesauce, and hard cider
Johnny Appleseed’s tale is more than just a chapter in American folklore; it’s a story that embodies the spirit of adventure, philanthropy, and pioneering that is central to the American spirit. Johnny Appleseed’s legacy stands as a beacon of simplicity and kindness, inspiring generations to plant seeds of their own, both literal and metaphorical, for a better future.
So did you learn anything new today-I certainly did and some of those tidbits may find their way into the book I’m writing 🙂
Was there something in the post that really surprised you?
Leave a comment about anything apple related to get your name in a hat to win your choice of any book from my backlist.
The first apple trees in North America were grown in the late 1500s from seeds brought by French Jesuits. The Pilgrims also brought young trees and seedlings from England and planted them in Massachusetts and throughout New England. Settlers traded fruit, trees, and seeds with American Indians. Apples were a staple in the diet of early pioneers, since they could be eaten fresh, fried, stewed, baked, and made into cider, vinegar, and brandy. Even mediocre apples could be cooked into preserves and apple butter, and the poorest fruit was used as livestock feed.
