1774-1845

Johnny Appleseed legendary planter of orchards across Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, was a real person named John Chapman. He was a friend to all God's creatures and a missionary for the Swedenborgian religion, a Christian denomination.

He was also a smart businessman. Moving ahead of the waves of westward bound settles, he purchased property, carefully sowed apple seeds, and had seedlings available when the settlers arrived. His seedlings were valuable because apples were highly nutritious and orchards were a symbol of permanency. He sold trees for 3 cents if you planted them and 6.5 cents if he planted them for you. Johnny was also very generous, often saying pay me when you can."

The amber water flask Johnny gave to a little girl on her birthday gives us a clue to his success and fame. Material things meant little to Johnny except when they could make a child smile, give a pioneer family the means to improve their diet or increase their cash income from apples or apple jack. Cider and apple jack were pioneer currency.

Documents like this receipt indicate that Johnny lived and worked here from the 1830s until his death in 1845.

Johnny lived a life of service in harmony with nature that impressed Native Americans, as well as his fellow Americans. He was a proud patriot. His thoughts were of God and the afterlife and his greeting was often, "I have good news from heaven!" He must have been a good salesman. People loved him.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Fort Wayne, IN  |  Allen County  |  46805  |  Indiana  |  United States of America

Home of Philo T. Farnsworth
Site of Last French Fort
Meshekinnoquah
Chief Little Turtle
William Wells
Fort Wayne ~ Fort Dearborn Trail
Duck Creek: Early Industry and Business Development
Jail Flats
Emerine Jane Holman Hamilton
These are the Hamilton Women of Fort Wayne

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.