This sapling apple tree was grafted from rootstock from the last verifiable tree planted by John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed. Born in 1774, Chapman became legendary for traveling around the Northwest Territory selling apple seeds, and folklore says his trees stretched from Massachusetts to Iowa. In Ohio, settlers seeking permanent residence could receive land grants if they planted 50 apple trees within 3 years, and Chapman took advantage of that requirement by planting entire orchards to sell to pioneers. His seed-grown apple trees produced tough, tart apples that usually became hard cider rather than sweet pies. During prohibition, most of his orchards were cut down. The parent tree of this sapling stands at Harvey Farm in Ashland County, Ohio; planted by Johnny Appleseed in the 1830's, it still bears fruit 190 years later.
