Johnny Appleseed was a real person named John Chapman, a legendary planter of orchards across Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. A friend to all God's creatures, he was a missionary for the Swedenborgian religion, a Christian denomination, and also a smart businessman. Moving ahead of westward-bound settlers, he purchased property, carefully sowed apple seeds, and had seedlings available when settlers arrived. His seedlings were valuable because apples were highly nutritious and orchards were a symbol of permanency. He sold trees for 3 cents if buyers planted them and 6.5 cents if he planted them for them, yet he was also very generous and often said, "pay me when you can." He lived a life of service in harmony with nature that impressed Native Americans as well as his fellow Americans, was a proud patriot, and often greeted people with, "I have good news from heaven!"