The Legend of Johnny Appleseed
Johnny Appleseed, born John Chapman in 1774, is an iconic figure in American folklore who left an indelible mark on the frontier by establishing apple orchards across the Midwest. This post explores the life and legend of the real Johnny Appleseed in honor of National Johnny Appleseed Day, September 26.
John Chapman's Early Life
Born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts, John Chapman was the second child of Elizabeth Simons Chapman and Nathaniel Chapman, a farmer and Revolutionary War veteran. After his mother's death in 1776, John was raised by his father and stepmother, Lucy Cooley, alongside numerous half-siblings. Little is known about his early years, but by 1792, at age 18, Chapman had left Massachusetts for the western frontier, possibly accompanied by his younger half-brother Nathaniel. His horticultural career began in northwestern Pennsylvania, where he planted his first recorded nursery on the shore of Broken Straw Creek, south of Warren.
Johnny's Business Strategy with Orchards
Contrary to popular belief, Chapman was a shrewd businessman who capitalized on land settlement rules in the Northwest Territory. The Ohio Company offered 100 acres to settlers who could establish a permanent homestead by planting 50 apple trees and 20 peach trees within three years. Chapman's strategy involved:
Planting orchards ahead of settlers
Selling established orchards to newcomers
Accumulating significant land holdings
By the time of his death, Chapman owned approximately 1,200 acres of valuable nurseries. His apple trees primarily produced small, tart "spitters" used for making hard cider, which was often safer to drink than contaminated water in frontier areas. This approach allowed Chapman to turn a profit while simultaneously aiding in the westward expansion of American settlements.
Beyond Apple Planting
Beyond his apple-planting endeavors, John Chapman was known for his eccentric lifestyle and strong religious convictions. As a follower of the Swedenborgian Church, he often preached its teachings during his travels, earning respect from both Native Americans and settlers.
Chapman's commitment to conservation and animal rights was evident in his vegetarian diet and his refusal to harm any living creature, including insects. His distinctive appearance, characterized by tattered clothing, bare feet, and a tin pot hat, became an integral part of the Johnny Appleseed legend.
Johnny Appleseed's Lasting Legacy
The legend of Johnny Appleseed grew after his death on March 18, 1845, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, transforming him into a symbol of American pioneer spirit and simple living.
His legacy lives on through numerous festivals, statues, and museums across the Midwest, with September 26th celebrated as Johnny Appleseed Day in many parts of the United States.
Ironically, many of Chapman's original trees were cut down during Prohibition, but his seed-grown apples contributed to the genetic diversity of modern apple varieties.
The Johnny Appleseed Trail in North Central Massachusetts and the last surviving apple tree he planted in Nova, Ohio, which is over 175 years old, serve as tangible reminders of his far-reaching impact.
Apple: Recipes from the Orchard Hardcover – September 17, 2019
by James Rich (Author)
Who doesn't love apples? Grown, harvested and eaten for centuries, apples play an important role in everyday life and are enjoyed in a huge variety of ways.
Author James Rich hails from apple country in Somerset, England, where his family own a cider farm. Apples, it could be said, are in his blood, this is a collection of over 90 of his best-loved recipes. Try your hand at a summery Crunchy apple, cherry and kale salad, a comforting Slow-roasted pork belly and pickled apple, and an Ultimate apple crumble, all washed down with a Cider and thyme cocktail. James uses whole apples as well as cider, apple juice, cider brandy and cider vinegar to add depth to his dishes
Apples can be delicate and complementary, floral and simple or they can be bold, sharp and stand out from the crowd. Set to the backdrop of his is family's stunning apple, Apple is a celebration of this humble fruit.
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