Did Johny Appleseed really plant apple trees? page 253
John Chapman 1774-1845 called Johny Appleseed did plant apple orchards in the midwest. He also encouraged the development of orchards farther west by giving pioneers free seedlings. His depiction as a barefoot tramp roaming the countryside scattering seeds at random from a bag slung over his shoulder, however, is a more popular legend than facts. He was a curious figure who often preached from the Bible and from religious philosophy to passers-by. At his death in 1845 he was a successful businessman who owned thousands of acres of orchards and nurseries.