Johnny Appleseed

Have you ever planted a seed and watched it grow? A man known as Johnny Appleseed planted millions of seeds. Apple trees across the United States trace their roots to Johnny Appleseed.

Johnny “Appleseed” was born John Chapman. He was well known because of his love for planting apple trees. He was also known for his stories. By the time he was 25, he became a nurseryman. He took care of plants and trees. Johnny planted entire orchards of apples in New York and Pennsylvania.

This gentle man walked through the wilderness. He carried a bag of apple seeds on his back. When he found a spot he felt was just right to plant, he stopped. In the clearings, he planted apple seeds in neat rows. When the planting was finished, he built a fence to keep away wild animals.

The seeds sprouted, and Appleseed sold the plants to settlers in the area. They enjoyed the fruit of these trees for years and years. Appleseed received money for the saplings, and sometimes he traded for clothes or supplies.

Appleseed always worked alone. But he made many friends along his routes. Many families welcomed him for overnight stays.

Johnny Appleseed was a simple man. He did not care about things like fancy clothes or money. He rarely wore shoes. His feet had big bumps on both sides. They looked as hard and tough as leather.

He was rough, but children loved his gentle ways. His cheerful attitude made settlers happy. Johnny left apples wherever he went. He called them his “joy” that he left behind.