If you do not know his story, you should.
He was an inspiring man, born on this day in 1774 as John Chapman and later known as Johnny Appleseed. When looking into his gentle and generous character it is not hard to see why he became a legend even while he was still alive.
He is depicted in folklore as wearing tattered clothing, bare feet, and a cooking pot for a hat all the while singing the hymn "The Lord is good to me".
What is known for sure is that he was the son of a farmer, apprenticed on an apple orchard as a young man, and became a successful apple orchard owner with many orchards in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. He was a deeply religious man who often preached against extravagance and was best know for his extremely generous nature.
Accounts of him state that he gave away the best of everything he was given, keeping only the basics for himself, accepted goods in exchange for payment, and forgave debts freely. As an American pioneer he supplied seeds to settlers, started apple orchards which he hired others to manage and often forgave their debts when they were unable to pay. He sold and gave away many apple trees, and traveled constantly. Today, in the midst of apple harvest time, and on his birthday, it is an honor to remember this selfless man who continues to inspire so many.
2 Comments:
Thank you for this post. In many ways I need constant reminding to have a servant's and giving heart...it will come back tenfold to me and gives Glory to my Lord and Saviour. What a wonderful man, I hadn't read his story in many years. Thanks for such a gift this Sunday morning.
Susan
Thank you for the history. Richard from Amish Stories.
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