Who Was…? biography series for middle grade fascinates with the story of Johnny Appleseed – a nature lover who planted thousands of apple trees for pioneer families to enjoy and earned his nickname of Johnny Appleseed. His real name was John Chapman.
John Chapman (1774-1845) was born in
Leominster, Massachusetts. He had lots of siblings. They all lived in a small
farmhouse. Thus, in order to get some peaceful time, he spent much of his time
outside. His fascination with apples began in his teenage years.
As settlers were moving westward, Johnny
decided to do the same at the age of twenty-three. As he passed cider mills in
Pennsylvania, he collected apple seeds, and began his journey of planting
orchards.
In 1800, at twenty-six, he moved from
Pennsylvania to Ohio as Pennsylvania was getting too crowded for him. In Ohio,
he continued planting orchards. What made him stand out was his knack for
figuring out where people moved next. He got there first and planted apple
trees for them to enjoy.
He was also a good storyteller and entertained
settlers with stories of wilderness. He interacted with Native Americans as
well. Through his travels, he met many people.
He always carried a book with him written by
Emanuel Swedenborg, who believed in importance of thinking for yourself and
being useful in life, and not being afraid of being different.
This biography exemplifies a man who did what
he loved all his life, always peaceful, never letting life to rush him. He was
deeply connected with nature where he took long hikes which made space in his
mind to show the way for his happiness in life. When he felt the rush invading
his life, he moved away from it. Always, seeking freedom and calmness over
materialistic things. He never settled down in a home or owned many things. It
wasn’t necessary for his happiness. The traits that embody him are generous,
kind, helpful to others, living simply and staying true to oneself.
This
illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable
way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
Published by Penguin Workshop in 2005
TRENDING INSPIRATION: He did what he loved all
his life, remaining peaceful, feeling whole without any need to rush to achieve
different things.
Traits:
·
He lived with many siblings in a small house,
thus, in order to find his own space and comfort he spent a lot of time
outside.
·
The outside showed him the way to his happiness.
·
He followed the settlers to find his purpose.
·
As he passed cider mills, he collected apple
seeds and began his journey of planting trees.
·
He didn’t need much to be happy in life. Thus,
he hardly had anything.
·
What made him happy was to be in nature, to be
surrounded by peacefulness which led him to serve other people by planting
orchards for them.
“Do not worry at being worried; but accept
worry peacefully. Difficult but not impossible.” – Johnny Appleseed
FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:
Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the subject of Prayer in his book “Wisdom of the Ages.”
The
prayer can come in many different forms, one of them is to be connected to
nature and that’s what Johnny Appleseed did. In being connected with the One,
he found his happiness and meaning in life.
The
prayer should be an expression of “a wish to be the vehicle for God’s desires
rather than a request for favors from an entity outside ourselves. (…) Instead
of asking to be sheltered from danger, we ask for the strength to be fearless.”
