The Folk Tale Legend of Johnny Appleseed

2167 Words5 Pages

Johnny Appleseed is one of the most illustrious and respected folk tale legends of his era. The only thing different is that his story is not only a folk tale but real story. This paper will explore his travels, contributions and accomplishments throughout his journey. His voyages took him far and wide and expanded for over 50 years. Appleseed’s unconventional way of life, his travels and compassion makes him a celebrated hero today. Many books, movies and plays convey his story. Many communities in the mid-west have streets, buildings, parks and schools with the Appleseed name.

John Chapman was born on September 26, 1774, to Nathaniel and Elizabeth Chapman and given the nickname Johnny Appleseed, in Leominster, Massachusetts. The irony is that apple trees surrounded their house, and the apples were the color of the autumn leaves (Kellogg). His mother died two years later during childbirth; while his father, Nathaniel Chapman, was serving with the minutemen at the Battle of Concord. His father also served under the leadership of General George Washington in the Continental Army. After returning home, Johnny’s father resumed farming and married Lucy Cooley shortly afterwards.

There is little information known about Chapman’s early life. He and his brother probably traveled to Ohio, meeting up with the rest of his family in 1805. It is almost certain that his father, Nathaniel Chapman, encouraged him to become an orchardist, setting him up with an apprenticeship in the area. By 1812, John was working by himself as an orchardist and nurseryman (www.biography.com).

He traveled extensively, mostly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, working at his occupation. The Federal government opened what is known a...

... middle of paper ...

...r a week might be enough time to renders support to a motherless or fatherless child. We will not be judged by how much money we have or the fancy clothes we wear. Our deeds and love for other

is how we will be judged.

One defining characteristic of every hero is that she thinks of others before herself. Many people, when called upon to name the heroes in their lives, will mention a parent or teacher who clearly put the needs of her children, above their own. When someone acts proves he cares more about those around him than he does even about his own life, he is considered a hero. Johnny Appleseed sacrificed many things in order to help other, the same applies to us. Sacrifice is giving up something that is apparently good in order to achieve something of greater good. Let us all strive to be more like Johnny Appleseed. He taught us many things.

More about The Folk Tale Legend of Johnny Appleseed

Open Document