Sep 20, 2007
He roamed the country barefoot sleeping under the stars, in clothes
he made from sacks, with a cooking pan on his head. Everywhere he
went, he planted apple seeds, gave things away, took care of
animals, and made friends. He was John Chapman (1774-1845), better
known as Johnny Appleseed, a legend in his own time, and still a
legend today. Despite living a life of philanthropy, simplicity and
voluntary poverty, Chapman left behind an estate of apple nurseries
worth millions -- and he would have been even richer if he hadn't
been so careless in his bookkeeping. We recount some of the tales
told about him, most of which were in fact true.
Another man who became a living legend was author Mark Twain, whose
footsteps we have traced around the country over the years.
Recently we were back in one of his old haunts, Hartford,
Connecticut, where he had a colorful and fabulously elaborate
mansion built in which he and his family lived for some 17 years
while he wrote his masterpieces. You can tour the bedrooms, the
dining rooms, the drawing room and the billiard room, which have
been restored in painstakingly authentic detail.
Happy Listening!
Dennis (Johnny the seedy), Kimberly (Mom) and Zephyr (boy and
snake)