September 26 - Planting A Nation: The Incredible Tale of Johnny Appleseed
Sowing Seeds of Faith: Trusting in Unseen Growth
This is the day John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, was born in 1774.
In today's lesson, we explore the life of Johnny Appleseed and draw parallels to our spiritual journey. How can small acts of faith, like planting tiny seeds, grow into something much larger? What can we learn about trusting in God's unseen work from the patient persistence of a frontier nurseryman?
"This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how." - Mark 4:26-27 (NIV)
This Date in History
On a crisp autumn day in 1774, as the American colonies teetered on the brink of revolution, a child was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, who would one day become an enduring symbol of American frontier spirit. John Chapman, later known as Johnny Appleseed, entered a world of turmoil and change, but would leave it having planted seeds of both apples and hope across the expanding nation.
John's early life was marked by tragedy and resilience. His mother died when he was young, and his father, Nathaniel Chapman, a minuteman who fought in the Revolutionary War, remarried. Growing up in this blended family, young John learned the value of adaptability and perseverance. These traits would serve him well in the years to come.
As a young man, Chapman apprenticed in an apple orchard, where he discovered his lifelong passion. The idea of becoming a traveling nurseryman wasn't just a whim; it was a calculated decision based on the realities of frontier life. Apples were a crucial crop for settlers, providing food, drink, and a tradable commodity. Chapman saw an opportunity to serve others while making a living.
In the late 1790s, Chapman began his legendary journey westward. He would travel ahead of the wave of settlers, planting nurseries and then returning years later to sell or give away the saplings. This wasn't just about apples; it was about establishing land claims. Under frontier law, planting 50 apple trees was often enough to stake a claim on the land.
Chapman's methods were ingenious. He would collect discarded seeds from cider mills, plant them in carefully chosen locations, and protect the seedlings with fences made from brush. These weren't the sweet apples we know today; they were small, tart fruits primarily used for hard cider, a safer alternative to often-contaminated frontier water supplies.
Religious conviction played a crucial role in shaping Chapman's worldview, and he lived faithfully according to his beliefs. As a follower of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish theologian who emphasized the unity of nature and spirituality, Chapman's faith inspired his gentle treatment of all living things and his simple, ascetic lifestyle. Though his spiritual views, particularly regarding the nature of God and salvation, differed significantly from traditional Christian teachings, his devotion was sincere. He often shared Swedenborgian literature along with his seedlings, preaching to settlers and Native Americans alike.
Contrary to popular belief, Chapman wasn't a poor wanderer. His nursery business was quite successful, and he owned significant tracts of land. However, he lived simply, often sleeping outdoors and wearing cast-off clothes, giving away much of his wealth to those in need.
Chapman's travels brought him into contact with many frontier figures. He warned settlers of incoming British and Native American forces during the War of 1812, potentially saving many lives. There are accounts of him meeting with famous frontier figures like Davy Crockett, though these stories are difficult to verify.
Johnny Appleseed's fame grew during his lifetime. Settlers eagerly anticipated his visits, not just for his saplings but for news from other parts of the frontier. His distinctive appearance - often barefoot and wearing a tin pot as a hat - and his kindness to all creatures made him a memorable figure.
Estimates suggest that Chapman may have traveled more than 100,000 square miles, planting nurseries across large parts of Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. While he primarily focused on apples, he also planted other fruit trees and medicinal plants.
Remarkably, some of the trees from Chapman's original stock still survive today. The last known tree planted by Johnny Appleseed himself died in 2022 at 176 years old, but its legacy lives on through clones and descendants.
John Chapman died on March 18, 1845, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His death was mourned across the frontier, with one newspaper declaring, "Johnny Appleseed is dead... He is well known through this region by his eccentricity, and the strange garb he usually wore." But Johnny Appleseed's influence extended far beyond his lifetime. He became a symbol of frontier ideals: hard work, self-reliance, and generosity. His story, a blend of fact and folklore, continues to captivate the American imagination, reminding us of a time when a single person with a bag of apple seeds could change the landscape of a nation.
Historical Context
As John Chapman began his life's journey in 1774, the world was on the cusp of monumental changes. The American colonies were seething with discontent against British rule, with the Boston Tea Party having occurred just months earlier. This spirit of revolution and independence would shape the nation into which Chapman would eventually spread his apple seeds.
The late 18th century marked the beginning of westward expansion in North America. The British Proclamation Line of 1763, which had restricted colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, was increasingly ignored. This push westward created a demand for hardy, self-sufficient pioneers – a role Johnny Appleseed would embody in the coming decades.
The Industrial Revolution was in its early stages, transforming agriculture and manufacturing. However, frontier life remained largely untouched by these advancements. Settlers relied on subsistence farming and bartering, making Chapman's apple trees a valuable resource for food, drink, and trade.
Religiously, America was experiencing the First Great Awakening, a religious revival that emphasized personal salvation and moral living. This movement, along with newer religious ideas like Swedenborgianism, which Chapman embraced, created an atmosphere of spiritual exploration and individuality.
Native American tribes were being pushed further west as settlers expanded into their territories. The complex relationships between Native Americans and settlers would form the backdrop for much of Chapman's travels, as he often acted as a peaceful intermediary between the two groups.
The turn of the 19th century saw the young United States rapidly expanding. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the nation, opening up vast new territories for settlement – and for Johnny Appleseed's nurseries. This era of expansion coincided with a growing sense of American identity and destiny, ideas that Chapman's life and work would come to symbolize.
Did You Know?
The last known surviving tree verifiably planted by Johnny Appleseed was still alive as of 2023. This tree is located on a farm in Nova, Ohio, and is believed to be about 176 years old. It was reportedly planted by Johnny Appleseed in the 1830s and continues to bear fruit.
Today’s Reflection
In the expanding American frontier, John Chapman, known as Johnny Appleseed, moved with purpose, planting apple seeds across the landscape. While he often returned to tend his nurseries and sell saplings, he couldn't always predict which seeds would thrive or how his orchards would impact future generations. This image of faithful planting, even without full knowledge of the outcome, offers a powerful parallel to our calling as Christians to spread the gospel.
Jesus uses similar imagery in Mark's Gospel: "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how." This parable illuminates a profound truth about sharing our faith: while we plant the seeds of God's Word, its growth often occurs beyond our sight or understanding.
As believers, we're called to be like sowers, constantly ready to share the hope within us. The Apostle Peter encourages us: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). This readiness to share our faith is like carrying a pouch of seeds, prepared to plant at any moment.
Yet, how often do we hesitate to share our faith, fearing that our words might fall on deaf ears or that we might not see immediate results? We may share our testimony, engage in a spiritual conversation, or invite someone to church, and see no apparent impact. In these moments, remember Johnny Appleseed's patient persistence. He planted seeds knowing that growth takes time and that not every seed would sprout, yet he continued his work faithfully.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us, "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11 NIV). This promise assures us that when we share God's Word, it always has an impact, even if we can't immediately see it. Like apple seeds that may lie dormant before sprouting, the gospel seeds we plant may take time to germinate in someone's heart.
Moreover, our entire lives can be a form of seed-planting. When we live out our faith authentically - showing love, practicing integrity, exhibiting joy in trials - we're planting seeds of curiosity in those around us. People may not immediately ask about our faith, but these seeds of wonder can later blossom into genuine spiritual interest.
Johnny Appleseed's approach also teaches us about the importance of consistent, widespread sowing. He didn't limit himself to planting in only the most promising soil but spread his seeds widely. Similarly, we shouldn't limit our gospel-sharing to those we deem most receptive. Our call is to spread the good news widely, trusting God with the results.
Practical Application
Take time to reflect on your daily interactions and identify opportunities to share your faith. Start small by being more open about your beliefs in casual conversations. Practice articulating your testimony concisely, so you're prepared to share it when the opportunity arises. Consider keeping a journal of these "seed-planting" moments, noting the conversations and actions where you've shared your faith, even in subtle ways. This practice can help you recognize the cumulative impact of small, faithful acts over time.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of faithful sowing we see in the life of Johnny Appleseed and in Your Word. Grant us the courage and wisdom to scatter the seeds of Your gospel wherever we go. Help us to trust in Your unseen work, knowing that You can bring growth from the smallest acts of faith. May we be patient and persistent in sharing Your love and truth, always ready to give an answer for the hope we have in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Supplementary Study
"Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
This verse reminds us that when the seeds of faith fall on receptive hearts, the results can be exponential, encouraging us to continue sowing widely.
"He told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.'"
This parable illustrates how even the smallest acts of faith can grow into something far greater than we imagine, much like how Johnny Appleseed's small seeds grew into vast orchards.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
This verse encourages perseverance in our faith-sharing efforts, reminding us that consistent sowing will eventually yield results, even if we don't see them immediately.
Final Thoughts
The story of Johnny Appleseed serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Just as Chapman tirelessly planted apple seeds across the frontier, we too are called to sow seeds of faith in our daily lives. Each small act of kindness, every word of testimony, and every moment lived in authentic faith is a seed planted. While we may not always see the immediate fruit of our efforts, we can trust that God is nurturing these seeds, causing them to grow in ways we may never fully comprehend. Let us be encouraged to continue this vital work of seed-sowing, knowing that in God's perfect timing, a bountiful harvest awaits.
Community Engagement
Share your thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.
What aspect of Johnny Appleseed's life or work do you find most inspiring?
How have you seen small acts of faith grow into something significant in your own life or the lives of others?
What challenges do you face in sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them?
In what ways can you be more intentional about "planting seeds" of faith in your daily interactions?
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In tomorrow's lesson, we'll uncover how an ordinary town's extraordinary day can reshape our understanding of time and purpose. Prepare to discover how a fleeting moment in history might transform your perspective on each day's potential in God's grand design.
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Bonus - Did You Know?
Johnny Appleseed was reportedly a vegetarian who also advocated for animal rights, often paying to set animals free from traps.
Chapman's signature look of wearing a tin pot on his head wasn't just eccentric fashion; the pot doubled as a hat and a cooking vessel during his travels.
Despite his simple lifestyle, Chapman was a savvy businessman who amassed significant wealth through his nurseries but often chose to give it away.
Chapman's apples weren't for eating; they were primarily used for making hard cider, a safer alternative to often contaminated water on the frontier.
He was known for his ability to walk barefoot in snow and sleep outdoors in harsh conditions, earning him a reputation for superhuman endurance.
Additional Resources
Johnny Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, the American Story - Howard Means
The Core of Johnny Appleseed: The Unknown Story of a Spiritual Trailblazer - Ray Silverman
Johnny Appleseed: A Voice in the Wilderness - David L. Fleitz
The Illustrated Johnny Appleseed - Will Moses
Thank you! When I taught elementary school we always did a unit about Johnny and apples in the fall. The kids loved it!
Fascinating!