Here's a little Ditty, 'bout John Chapman

While many people become legends after their deaths, John Chapman, born in Massachusetts on September 26, 1774, was a legend in his own time. Known throughout Indiana, Ohio and Illinois as Johnny Appleseed, John Chapman began his travels at the age of 18. Here are some interesting facts about this unique individual.

John did not randomly scatter apple seeds in the wilderness, rather he planted nurseries of apple trees with fences around them for protection from livestock.

He had a business plan. When Johnny traveled on, a willing neighbor would care for the nursery and sell trees on shares. Johnny would return in a year or two to check the nursery and collect his earnings.

Johnny died near Fort Wayne, Indiana, after traveling the wilderness for nearly fifty years.

Before his death he tried to give his wealth to the needy. However, Elizabeth, his sister, inherited over 1200 acres of nurseries worth millions even then.

Each year in mid-September the Johnny Appleseed Festival is held at the Johnny Appleseed Park in Fort Wayne near his grave.