Johnny Appleseed was born Jonathan Chapman. His father was a Continental Army soldier who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. When his mother died when he was young, he was raised by relatives. In 1792, at age 17, he left home. He became a nurseryman. He would take the seeds from apples, plant them, and sell the saplings. He then decided to roam. He wore old clothes and walked barefoot. He traveled alone and was not molested by the Indians. They respected him. He did not just toss seeds along his path. Instead, he would get seeds free from cider mills (cider was a very popular beverage), plant orchards, fence them, and turn them over to settlers. If any saplings were sold, Johnny would get some money when he passed back through. He was not in it for the money and gave most of it away. He also sowed various medicinal herbs like Fennel, which became known as “Johnny Weed”.
– Amazing 278-281
0 Comments