Hidden Corners of History- Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed

Jarrod E. Stephens

The Ashland Beacon

Legends are typically born from the wild imaginations of people who want to glorify the actions of another. Some legends grow into “Tall Tales” such as Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill. The legends may represent a time period or culture but are so far-fetched that they are unbelievable. Other legends arise from actual individuals who make an impact and like all other mortal men, they die but their story lives on. The stories grow and as storytellers embellish the truth just a little each time it’s told. The next thing you know, you have a legend.

With the fall season officially upon us, the harvest of fall fruits is ongoing. One fruit in particular, the apple, is being picked and sold across our region and every time that I think about apple orchards I can’t help but think about Johnny Appleseed. While some “facts” are a bit jumbled whenever you read the stories, there’s little doubt that Johnny was a real man. It’s just that the details get a little distorted from time to time.

Unlike other Tall Tales, Johnny Appleseed was real and was believed to have been born as John Chapman on September 26, 1774. Chapman and his family lived in the colonies at one of the most pivotal times in American History. Chapman left the family home at eighteen years old along with his eleven-year-old brother. They traveled to Ohio where their father later came and owned a farm.

Johnny apprenticed on an orchard with a man known only as Mr. Crawford. This is where Johnny allegedly learned the trade that would inspire a life of service to farmers across Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, parts of West Virginia and if you believe the legend, all across the country.

Johnny didn’t plant and tend orchards; he instead planted the seedlings in what was a nursery. The trees were tended and then transplanted a few years later. He was said to have planted apple seeds for many people and that’s where he earned the name “Johnny Appleseed.” Chapman was also known for being a religious man who shared the Gospel throughout his journeys.

The “legendary” aspects of Johnny Appleseed included the use of a pot on his head as a hat. Although most historical accounts do mention that he dressed quite differently, stories emerged that he used a pan as a “mush pot and a hat.” Whether or not that is true, well, I guess that’s up to you.

Johnny became legendary in life, and many cities and towns still honor him with statues, monuments and festivals. In Mansfield, Ohio a marker reads, “In memory of John Chapman, best known as Johnny Appleseed, Pioneer apple nursery man.” In Sunbury, Ohio you can find a statue of Johnny standing 7-feet and carved from an ash stump. There’s even a highway in Ohio called the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway. Massachusetts and Indiana also have many monuments in honor of Johnny.

Johnny was believed to have died in Fort Wayne, Indiana after spending many years in the area planting trees and tending to the nurseries. The town has an annual festival called the Johnny Appleseed Festival where he is honored. Outside of town his gravestone simply states, “Johnny Appleseed, John Chapman. He lived for others.” It also bears an inscription of The Holy Bible.

Legend or not. Tall tale or not. Either way the story of Johnny Appleseed is one that is worthy of retelling. We are reminded of the importance of serving others rather than serving self which I’m certain is a virtue that is almost extinct. So, this fall as you sink your teeth into a fresh apple, just think, you have good old Johnny Appleseed to thank.