Allen County, Indiana Genealogy

People of Allen County, Indiana

Johnny Appleseed Historical Newspaper Timeline

Specifc topics or pages: 1916 Memorial - Burial Site - Carving - Canterbury Green Stone - Chapman Apple Trees - Documents - Estate notice - Festival - Fortriede book - Johnny Appleseed Memorial Bridge - Obituary - Publications - Stuff

One important fact about published stories especially newspaper articles is their accuracy of the story tellers memory. Unless they record and publish an event on the day it occurred, any stories about prior events especially years later are influenced by discussions of the topic with others as well as readings that may influence their memory.

Not all historical newspapers that were published and microfilmed are digitized and available online. Some of the dailies and weeklies are missing from the online calendar of available issues. Johnny's March 22, 1845 death notice is on microfilm, but not digitized online. There are over 260 Johnny Appleseed Fort Wayne, Indiana search results and John Chapman Fort Wayne, Indiana search produces over 15,000 hits on Newspapers.com which requires a subscription. All newspaper clippings shared here are from Newspapers.com unless stated otherwise. Most scholars agree Johnny Appleseed is most likely buried in the Old Archer Cemetery as do most of these newspaper articles.

Unlike modern newspapers, no author is listed for any of the articles so the accuracy of the information is unknown. Some of the articles are more interesting than others, many are repetitive or don't say much, but since some effort was expended to locate them, they are included here for later evaluation as to their worth. As the May 3, 1914 daily Journal-Gazette and May 7, 1914 Weekly Journal-Gazette show, sometimes a publishing error was made, but the same information was printed in the other version of the paper so can be found if enough researching and clipping is done. Some transcribing errors have been made, although some mis-spellings are from the original printed newspaper articles not the transcribing, and OCR may be available later for updating all articles so they will appear in site and Google searches.

Location of Johnny Appleseed Grave in the Old Archer Graveyard in Johnny Appleseed Park on current Google map

1919 J.M.E. Riedel's new street number guide map of Fort Wayne zoomable image is from the Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collections Online.
The location of the Old Archer Graveyard and future Johnny Appleseed Park is not shown on this 1919 map. It would be in the blank area north of the St. Joseph River and St. Joe Road now called St. Joe River Drive below the red Robison Park Line name showing it was between 2 miles and 2 1/2 miles outside Fort Wayne city limits represented by the dotted red lines in 1919 as mentioned in many of these early newspaper articles. Compare to current Google map above. Notice Parnell Avenue does not have a bridge which crosses the St. Joseph River and Coliseum Boulevard does not exist in 1919. Not having a bridge to cross the St. Joseph River made it more difficult to get to the Archer Cemetery where Johnny Appleseed was buried in 1845. There was a May 23, 1916 newspaper article Want bridge built to give access to Appleseed's grave.
Contrast the 1919 map above with the 2024 aerial view of the same area with St. Joe Road at the top of this 1919 map showing no development above the St. Joseph River and renamed as St. Joe River Drive on the bottom of 2024 aerial view. There is no Parnell Avenue north of the St. Joseph River.
Notice several side streets in 2024 are renamed although Ferguson Avenue is the same in both images when zoomed online at their sources.

Parnell Avenue Bridge was built in 1927

1927 Year Built from Allen County Bridge Number 538, Parnell Avenue Bridge on the SHAARD Historic Bridge page. The links are to online databases which require zooming and locating the location on their map then clicking their link to view the images above. There is more bridge information on our Bridges section of the Streets of Fort Wayne page.

Parnell Avenue Bridge Allen County Bridge 538 on HistoricBridges.com has similar information on a 1927 build date with references in the middle of the page under Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey. The Allen county commissioners appointed A. W. Grosvenor as "Engineer of Construction" in March 1926 and agreed to pay him $100 a day (up to $2,600) for the drafting of plans and specifications for the Parnell Avenue Bridge. Grosvenor filed his plans on 14 June, and Daniel B. Luten added a set of his own at the end of the month. Henry C. Paul and others petitioned the commissioners to submit the bridge plans to the state highway commission for evaluation. At the 9 July letting, the National Concrete Company brought in the lowest bids on two different Luten-designs. The board, however, let a contract to I. E. Smith of Richmond on Grosvenor's plans for $82,900, about $5,000 more than the highest bid on a Luten-design. Each span carries four segmental ribs with two-tier reinforcing plus stirrups and 13-feet and 6-inches of rise.
The Parnell Avenue Bridge was built in 1927 according to BridgeHunter.com which has undergone major changes and may not work.
Johnny Appleseed Memorial Park, together with the Johnny Appleseed Memorial Bridge over the St. Joseph, closeby, was dedicated May 21, 1949 from page 5 of 6 of The National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. The bridge was built in 1947 and listed as SR 930 EB over ST JOSEPH RIVER on BridgeReports.com. See more of the Historical Register on our Johnny Appleseed page.
Johnny Appleseed Bridge. Year?
Posted by Indiana News 1 on Thursday, March 23, 2017

March 23, 2017 post by the original Great Memories and History of Fort Wayne, Indiana page on Facebook:

Johnny Appleseed Bridge. Year? [ 1950s? ]

The same postcard titled: Johnny Appleseed Memorial Bridge, Fort Wayne, IN is dated 1945 in the Allen County Public Library Digital Collections at the Allen County Public Library.

FORT WAYNE BRIDGES. JOHNNY APPLESEED MEMORIAL BRIDGE in the Allen County Public Library Digital Collections at the Allen County Public Libraryhas no date or other information.

The bridges were discussed March 5, 2024 on True Fort Wayne Indiana History on Facebook.

Street View photo from Google Maps

2024 aerial photo of the Johnny Appleseed Park and Memorial Bridge - Parnell Avenue Bridge area
Contrast this 2024 aerial view with the 1919 J.M.E. Reidel map above with nothing above St. Joe River Drive at the bottom of this aerial view and fomrerly St. Joe Road on the top of 1919 map.
Notice several side streets in 2024 are renamed although Ferguson Avenue is the same in both images when zoomed online at their sources. Notice in 2024 Parnell Avenue has a bridge and continues north and Coliseum Boulevard in pale yellow has the Johnny Appleseed Memorial Bridge which did not exist in 1919.

The Indiana Horticultural Society, Indiana Historical Society, and Society of Indiana Pioneers are mentioned several times in these newspaper articles.

Some of the more interesting historic newspaper articles in the 100 articles on this page are:

October 21-23, 1871 John W. Dawson, who came to Fort Wayne in 1836, knew Johnny Appleseed personally and was 25 years old when Johnny Appleseed died. He was 51 years old when he published in the Fort Wayne Sentinel several articles about Johnny Appleseed reprinted on pages 1-6 of the Johnny Appleseed Memorial Commission published May 1, 1956 on our Johnny Appleseed page.
November 10, 1900 Mansfield, Ohio erects a monument to Johnny Appleseed stating he died March 11, 1845 and is buried in Fort Wayne. Mentions that few burials had marble monuments, most were wooden head and footboards that have faded away and doubtful anyone living in 1900 could point to the exact burial location of Johnny Appleseed in the Old David Archer burial ground. Documents indicate death date is March 18, 1845.
September 3, 1906 article by John H. Archer stated The apple growers of Indiana ought to erect a monument to his memory.
April 13, 1907 Notable Pioneers Who Lie in Unmarked Graves John Archer writes of lost resting places of early notables - Hiram Porter is the only one now living who was present and saw him [Johnny Appleseed] buried. Johnny Appleseed's grave is not marked; Little's Turtle's grave is not marked; Judge Benjamin Archer's grave is not marked and the grave of one of the original governors of our great state of Indiana, whose remains were buried in the McCulloch grave yard on Broadway, in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is not marked and has become entirely obliterated.
December 20, 1908 Hero of the Western Wilds September 15, 1882 and on November 8, 1900 Johnny Appleseed's name was erected on monuments in Ashland county and Mansfield, Ohio.
May 18, 1913 unmarked grave discussion by John Archer in the Journal-Gazette mentions photographs taken at the cemetery, but not shown on this page?
April 26, 1914 residents of Ashland, Ohio who wanted to erect a monument to Johnny Appleseed along the Lincoln Highway wrote a letter to the Journal-Gazette asking if David Archer's cemetery and the Johnny Appleseed burial location still exists.
May 3, 1914 Two Men in Fort Wayne Were Present at Appleseed Funeral article says 25 people were buried in Archer Cemetery
May 10, 1914 article says 150 people buried in Archer Cemetery
September 13, 1914 article about first things in local history in a series of newspaper articles including lack of monuments to historic pioneers like Johnny Appleseed
November 1915 Purdue experts and the Indiana Horticultural Society were assisting with plans being made to erect a memorial to Johnny Appleseed after Ohio Apple Growers inquiries about local burial location status after they already had erected memorials
April 19, 1916 - first mention of placing an iron fence around Johnny Appleseed grave site
April 25, 1916 Sentinel article explains why they think they found Johnny Appleseeds burial location at the Old Archer Cemetery. A 2015 video interviewing Steven Fortriede says the burial location controversy is pretty much settled.
April 25, 1916 details the ceremony unveiling of the monument
April 25, 1916 photo of the words on the tablet for the monument
May 2, 1916 short article about a pear tree still bearing fruit planted by Johnny Appleseed in 1842 then on the lot of St. Joseph Hosptial.
December 1, 1916 unveil bronze tablet in Swinney Park stone monument
June 13, 1923 state historical societies visit Fort Wayne historical sites
June 15, 1923 state historical organizations visit Fort Wayne historical sites
July 15, 1923 long article discussing local historical society members visiting various historical sites around Fort Wayne describing the Johnny Appleseed grave site as neglected and overgrown

Historical Newspaper articles that mention Johnny Appleseed

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Additional Information Johnny Appleseed Clipped from Coshocton Daily Age Coshocton, Ohio, 10 Feb 1883, Saturday Page 5. Clipped by marodruck on 03 Jan 2021. Interesting article from 1883 with basic Johnny Appleseed information.
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1883, March 25 - 1883 - Johnny Appleseed - New Haven. More about the eccentric individual what a personal acquaintance says of him - his desire for a young bride dated March 20, 1883. Clipped from the Fort Wayne Daily Gazette Fort Wayne, Indiana 25 Mar 1883, Sunday page 3 by StanFollisFW 19 Feb 2022.
An Unnamed Friend or Relative of Johnny Appleseed, a New Haven resident, wrote a letter about him dated 20 March 1883. The letter was reprinted in the Fort Wayne Gazette 25 October 1898, Page 4. is the beginning of a transcription posted as Johnny Appleseed More About That Eccentric Individual—What a Personal Acquaintance Says of Him—His Desire for a Young Bride in September 2015 on page 23 of the Allen County Lines quarterly publication in the Membership section of the Allen County Genealogical Society of Indiana website.
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Johnny Appleseed A Chat with a Man Who Knew The Pioneer Prophet Clipped from The Gazette - York, Pennsylvania, 17 Aug 1888, Friday, page 2. Clipped by thechimneyman 10 Aug 2022. Dr. Bushnell one of the oldest physicians in Ohio.
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1895, October 9 - Old Settlers Invitation Extraordinary Extended Them by One of Their Number lists Johnny Appleseed first among a long alphabetical list of resident names of Fort Wayne and Allen County in two full page columns from fifty and fifty-five years earlier in the 1840s for the one-year-late 1895 centennial. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 09 Oct 1895, Wed Page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFWon 19 Feb 2022.
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1900, November 10 - Rear a Monument to the One Time Famous Johnny Appleseed Mansfield Honors Memory A Quaint Character Who Died Near Fort Wayne Older Men Remember Him His Remains Lie in the Old Archer Cemetery. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 10 Nov 1900, Saturday, page 5, by wesley_allen_andrews 06 May 2017. To the memory of a strange pioneer character, Johnathan Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, whose remains have for fifty-five years reposed in the old and now unused Archer burial ground just north of Fort Wayne, the city of Mansfield, Ohio dedicated a neat monument on Thrusday. So begins the long full page height article with a section titled:
Pioneers Knew Him Well Few of the early characters who contributed to the pioneer history of Fort Wayne and vicinty were more widely known in their day than was this eccentric man, and there are in Fort Wayne today quite a number of the older citizens whose memory goes back distinctly to the days when Johnny Appleseed pursued his strange occupation here. Among these are J. H. Archer, David Comparaet and Hiram Porter.
Died in St. Joe Township Johnny Appleseed died at the home of Willis M. Worth, in St. Joe township, March 11, 1845. Living near Fort Wayne today is the man who sat up with this strange character during his last night upon earth. It is Jerry Williams, now seventy-seven years of age, and who contracted a painfull illness from his attentions to his eccentric patient. The Worth home was near the old John C. Pfeiffer farm, and here the varried wanderings of the eccentric celebrity came to an end.
The old David Archer burial ground, little more than a mile north of Fort Wayne, furnished his last resting place. One can still see the pioneer graveyard as he is whirled by in an electric car on the way to Robison park, though it has long been unused and the location of the grave of the eccentric pioneer has been lost track of. The plat was set aside by David Archer, the grandfather of J. H. Archer, of this city, and it is a small tract lying just to the north of the electric car line as it swings to the east in leaving the Leo road. Jacob Rudisill now owns the farm from which the cemetery was carved, though it has been fifteen years since an internment occured there, the last being the burial of the stepmother of Hiram Porter, of this city.
Few marble monuments were erected in those days, the graves being in most cases marked with simple wooden head and footboards, though a few small tombstones are yet to be seen in the Archer burial ground. Time's effacing finger has obliterated most of the less substantial markings placed at the graves, and the resting place of Johnny Appleseed is among the number. It is doubtful if there lives today a person who can point out the exact spot in the old cemetery where the remains of this strange child of nature lie as he lived--close to nature's great heart.
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1903, January 10 - Goes to County Farm - John Coughlan has to take Refuge from the Cold - His Long Career as Frequenter of Police Court Breaks the Record - Police News. Last night, half frozen with cold, John Coughlan, better known in police circles as Johnny Appleseed, appeared at the police headquarters asking for lodging. When he usually arrives at police headquarters he is under the influence of drink and is accompanied by a police office. He has been arrested hundreds of times, and holds the record for frequency at police court. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 10 Jan 1903, Saturday, page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022. This article explains earlier articles such as the September 17, 1894 Fort Wayne News newspaper with a line about a drunk claiming his name was Johnny Appleseed (the real Johnny died in 1845) under Police Court discussed February 18, 2013 on the original Great Memories and History of Fort Wayne, Indiana page on Facebook.
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1903, March 22 - The Grave of "Johnny Appleseed" An Interesting Reminiscence by Mr. John H. Archer, About the Man Who Planted Apple Trees All over the State. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 22 March 1903, Sunday, page 16. Clipped by StanFollisFW 19 February 2022. Mr. Archer in one paragraph states: A substantial marker has recently been erected to his memory in Mansfield, Ohio, a cut of which I have in my possession. He died 57 years ago at the home of David and William Worth, a few rods northeast of the present home of Edward Pfeiffer, on the Leo road three miles north of Fort Wayne, and was laid to rest in my grandfather's private burying grounds on the west bank of the Saint Joe river, one mile northeast of the present location of Centlivre's brewery. Another paragraph states: Jacob Rudisell, son of the late Emanuel Rudisell, now owns my grandfather's old farm upon which the burial lot is located, and there is only one way of reaching the place without trespassing upon Mr. Rudisell's land, and that is by crossing the Feeder canal from the Robison park car line.
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1904, May 16 - 1904 - Name is Not Forgotten - Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 16 May 1904, Monday, page 3. Clipped by StanFollisFW 19 Feb 2022. The last paragraph says: He died some two or three miles northeasterly from Fort Wayne some sixty years ago, and Mr. J. H. Archer is authority for the statement that he lies buried in the Archer family burying ground, near where he passed away.
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1906, September 3 - Sowed Seeds in Wilderness - Johnny Appleseed isn't Forgotten at Mansfield - Unselfish Life of john Capman, a Pioneer Nurserypman of the West - Movement to the Man Who Tramped In Bare Feet, Planted Fruit Seeds in Primeval Forest and Later Set Out Many Orchards In Ohio and Indiana. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 03 Sep 1906, Monday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Interesting to note the line that Johnny Appleseed was a nurseryman of the West considering that the map at the Mean Center of Population for the United States: 1790 to 2020 posted November 16, 2021 at the United States Census Bureau shows the population center of the United States in the 1840s was in West Virginia a couple of states East of Indiana at that time. The western border of the United States in the 1840s was Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
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1906, September 3 - Sowed Seeds Johnny Appleseed - Continued from page one. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 03 Sep 1906, Monday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Under second column titled: Died Near Fort Wayne. In 1900, about the time that the monument at Mansfield was dedicated, John H. Archer, of Allen county, grandson of David Archer, in whose graveyard Johnny Appleseed was buried, wrote: During his life and residence in this vicinity I suppose that every man, woman and child knew something of Johnny Appleseed. I find that there are quite a number of persons yet living here who remember him well and enjoy relating reminiscences and pecurarities of his habits and life. The account of his death and burial by the Worths and their neighbors in David Archer's private burial grounds is substantially correct. The grave and the common headboards used in those days have long since decayed and become entirely obliterated, and at this time I do not think that any person could with any degree of certainty, come within fifty feet of pointing out the grave. The apple growers of Indiana ought to erect a monument to his memory.
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1906, September 6 - Sowed Seeds in Wilderness - Johnny Appleseed Isn't Forgotten in Mansfield Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Journal-Gazette 06 September 1906, Thusday, page 8. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 16 Feb 2020. Is this the article Samuel Cutshall referred to in the Says "Johnny Appleseed" is Buried in County October 30, 1906 article? In the second column under the title Died Near Fort Wayne In 1836, when the population in Ohio became rather too dense to suit him, he came to Indiana, where he continued his work of distributing seeds and starting orchards. Exposure during one of these journeys brought on a sickness which caused his death. He died at the home of William Worth, in St. Joseph township, Allen county, March 11, 1847. [death notice was published March 22, 1845 in Fort Wayne Weekly newspaper].
In 1900, about the time that the monument at Mansfield was dedicated, John H. Archer, of Allen county, grandson of David Archer, in whose graveyard Johnny Appleseed was buried, wrote: During his life and residence in this vicinity I suppose that every man, woman and child know something of Johnny Appleseed. I find that there are quite a number of persons yet living here who remember him well and enjoy relating reminiscences and pecurarities of his habits and life. The account of his death and burial by the Worths and their neighbors in David Archer's private burial grounds is substantially correct. The grave and the common headboards used in those days have long since decayed and become entirely obliterated, and at this time I do not think that any person could with any degree of certainty, come within fifty feet of pointing out the grave.
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1906, October 30 - Says "Johnny Appleseed" is Buried in County. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 30 Oct 1906, Tuesday, page 8. Clipped by StanFollisFW 19 Feb 2022. Mr. Samuel Cutshall, eighty-eight years of age, and one of the brightest of the pioneers and one of the most interesting personalities of Allen county, was in the city yesterday. Mr. Cutshall resides in Eel River township and so hale and hearty is he that he thinks nothing of making the trip from his farm to Fort Wayne overland. Mr. Cutshall read with a great deal of interest the story recently published in the Journal-Gazette of the career of the late "Johnny Appleseed," the unique public benefactor of the middle west. Mr. Cutshall says, however there is a mistake about the burial place of "Johnny Appleseed." He says his grave is in an abandoned cemetery on the Jacob Rudisill farm northwest of the city. See September 6, 1906 article above: Sowed Seeds in Wilderness - Johnny Appleseed Isn't Forgotten in Mansfield. Somewhat confusing if Mr. Cutshall is referring to the September 6, 1906 article since John Archer in 1900 said the same thing that the burial was in the Old David Archer burial ground now on the Jacob Rudisill farm northeast, not northwest, of the city at that time.
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1907, March 25 - An Old Citizen. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 25 March 1907, Monday, Page 12. Clipped by StanFollisFW 19 Feb 2022. John H. Archer last Saturday celebrated his seventieth birthday anniversary. He was most intimately connected with much of the early history of Fort Wayne. He is one of the few men living who saw real live Indians walk the streets of Fort Wayne, who saw and knew Johnny Appleseed. who knew intimately all the early settlers of Fort Wayne. His family made the bricks with which was erected the first brick house in Fort Wayne-the Schwieters building on East Columbia street. He was born in March, 1837 on a farm in Washington township, about three miles north of the city. His ancestors on both sides were from revolutionary stock, his mother's relatives being connected with the Baltimores who first settled Maryland. His great-grandfather, Judge Benjamin Archer, settled in Fort Wayne in 1823, coming here from Dayton. Mr. Archer came to Fort Wayne in 1867, working first in a brick yard, and then in the boiler shop owned by the late Niel McLachlan. He after ward embarked in the real estate buisiness, in the pursuance of which he laid out many parts of what now forms the city of Fort Wayne. He laid out Beck's addition, Beck's sub., Archer's addition, Archer's outlots, Archer's Brookside addition, and Wiegman's addition, and he says he is not finished yet. He is in the best of health and is still active in business. He says he intends to keep on working for a long time.
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1907, April 13 - Notable Pioneers Who Lie in Unmarked Graves John Archer writes of lost resting places of early notables. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 13 Apr 1907, Saturday, page 5. Clipped by StanFollisFW, 18 Feb 2022. It begins: In a letter to S. P. Kaler, of Columbia City, who has been preparing some historical data of Northern Indiana, John H. Archer, of this city, gives some interesting information concerning the graves of some pioneer notables in and about Fort Wayne, which were unmarked and which in the changes time has wrought cannot now be located definitely. These include the graves of Johnny Appleseed and of Simon [Samuel] Bigger, once governor of Indiana. Mr. Archer's letter follows:
The man known as Johnny Appleseed died at the home of A. M. Worth, a school teacher, and was buried in my grandfather's private burial ground--the Worths lived only about a half mile distant. There is scarcely any probablility of anyone now living being able to locate the grave. I am quite certain that Hiram Porter is the only one now living who was present and saw him buried. The people were so very careless in those early pioneer times in regard to such things as marking graves of those who might die in the wilderness, for such it was. In fact the custom was to merely stake down a small headboard and let it go at that, and as these soon rotted away, the identity of the graves was lost forever. Unless they were the markings of the grave of some great chief, or some other man of prominence, there was but little or no attention paid to them. It was root hog, or die, for the want of the necessities of life. The Archer private burial ground consisted of only one half acre of land and is located in Washington township, Allen county, about a mile northeast of the Centlivre brewery, on the banks of the St. Joe river. A trolley line now runs nearby and on the famous Robison park. If it was possible to locate the grave of Johnny Appleseed, you may be assured there would be no objection whatever to the removal of his bones to Mansfield, Ohio, where there has already been erected a suitable monument to his memory.
Please bear in mind, my friend, that Johnny Appleseed, while living, was only a poor man with a big heart, that the sentinments that have been created on account of his having been a pioneer nurseryman, brought prominence to his name many years after his death.
No, Johnny Appleseed's grave is not marked; Little's Turtle's grave is not marked; Judge Benjamin Archer's grave is not marked and the grave of one of the original governors of our great state of Indiana, whose remains were buried in the McCulloch grave yard on Broadway, in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is not marked and has become entirely obliterated. The onward march of time, the progress of the present civilization, the greed of the populace, the chase for the almighty dollar, the dishonesty that is rampant, the worshippers of the golden calf ought not be honored as the simple minded, big hearted Johnny Appleseed. He was not only a pioneer in carrying and distributing apple seeds among the people, but at the same time he was engaged in sowing the seeds of a true religion that emanated from the bottom of his very soul. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
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1908, 31 August - Chapman Family Reunion. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel31 Aug 1908, Monday, page 6 Clipped by lbearrow on 12 Nov 2019.
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1908, December 20 - Hero of the Western Wilds - Johnny Appleseed The Strange Life Story of Old "Johnny Appleseed" - Planted orchards All Over the Central West - is Buried in an Unknown Grave North of Fort Wayne by S. P. Kaler, Columbia City, Ind. who wrote history books on Whitley County. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 20 Dec 1908, Sunday, page 37 Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. One paragraph towards the end states: He was buried in the Archer cemetery, just north of Fort Wayne, and near the resting palce of the famous Indian chief Little Turtle. The boards that marked the resting places of these two heroes have long since disappeared and no living man knows the exact spot. Mr. John N. Archer, of Fort Wayne, could tell within fifty feet of the place.
His name is engrave as a cenotaph upon one of the monuments erected to the memory of the pioneers of Ashland county, O., September 15, 1882 and on November 8, 1900, a large monument was unveiled to his memory in Middle park, Mansfield, O. the gift of Hon. M. B. Busnell, whose father knew Chapman most intimately and thoughly appreciated his sublime character.
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1910, Febraury 19 - Johny Appleseed a Novelists Model. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 07 Aug 1910, Sunday, page 16A. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
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1911, June 24 - The Vision of "Johnny Appleseed" clipped from the full page article Little turtle 7-24-1911 Fort Wayne statues and monuments Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 24 June 1911, Saturday, on page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Full page with drawings titled: Statue of a North American Indian - Title His First Bullet. Monuments and Statues by Henry M. Williams, Captain Wells Statue, First French Fort, Fort Miami, Kentucky Soldier in Retreat, Burial Place of the Famous Chief, Little Turtle monument was on Prospect avenue 160 yards east of Spy Run avenue - see Markers page. Second French Fort, The Vision of Johnny Appleseed, The Aboite River Massacre, Two Kinds of Transportation - Canal and Railroad. Full page clip by mtnewman448 on 25 Jul 2021.
Under Monuments and Statues by Henry M. William it states: Many years ago I designed these twelve monuments and statues and some more, and my hope is now to see them realized, all but one to appear in Fort Wayne, the exception being the "LaBalm Massacre" memorial, which will be placed at the mouth of the Aboite river, eleven miles southwest from Fort Wayne. A duplicate of "Captain Wells" will undoubtedly find a place in Chicago, in honor of whom their "Wells street" was named, and ours. Of "The Indian's First Bullet" I think there will be several reproductions, and of President Lincoln and Tad I hope there will be full fifteen, in as many diifferent cities all over the broad United States. The 300,000 citizens of Los Angeles should not be compelled to travel 3,000 miles to Boston to see what will be the best statue of the great and good, and gentle "Lincoln," they should have a copy at home. Were these monuments ever built and placed in Fort Wayne? Need to revisit and make individual clippings easier to read.

Fort Wayne Daily News Fort Wayne, Indiana 24 Jun 1911, Sat • Page 6 clipping image
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1911, June 24 - The Vision of "Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 24 Jun 1911, Saturday, page 13. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. An advertisement on the full page shows an Auburn automobile and miracle washing machine. Lighter image than Daily News or next day version with no other monuments
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1911, June 25 - The Vision of "Johnny Appleseed" Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 25 Jun 1911, Sunday, page 21. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022. Same as above vision drawing in the Fort Wayne Daily News only lighter with only two monument drawings and less information on Henry M. Williams.
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1913, February 8 - Johnny Appleseed paragraph from a full page newspaper article showing map of three rivers and Some Historic Places in the City of Fort Wayne Over Which Flags of Four Nations Have Floated and continued on page 11 column 1 Some Historic Places in The City of Fort Wayne. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 08 Feb 1913, Saturday, page 9. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Full page image posted on February 8, 1913 Timeline.
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1913, May 18 - Unmarked Grave of 'Johnny Appleseed' Overgrown with Wild Flowers Is Located Through Memory of John Archer. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 18 May 1913, Sunday, page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 16 Feb 2020.
Without a headstone to mark it, the grave of Johnny Appleseed, whose correct name was John Chapman, one of the quaintest characters of pioneer days, has been located, through the memory of John H. Archer, of 1308 Winter street, who remembers that during his boyhood Appleseed visited the old Archer home two miles and a half north of the city.
The grave is located in the David Archer graveyard on the Robinson park car line. It is but a couple of car lengths from stop 3 on this line. The grave was hard to locate as the marker, which was of wood as was common in those days, has long been obliterated.
Mr. Archer, who, despite his advancing years, is spry in mind and body accompanied a Journal-Gazette reporter to the graveyard. The Journal-Gazette this morning shows pictures of the site of the grave, the Archer burial ground and of Mr. Archer standing at the rustic entrance of the place.
To reach the grave it is necessary to step from stone to stone across a morass, but Mr. Archer accomplished this with as much agility as the reporter. He showed where the grave was located and told of the burial of the quant pioneer by the Archers, the Pettites, Goinges, Porters, Motestems, Parkers, Beckets, Whitesides, Pechons, Hatfields, Parrants, Ballards and Randsells.
Mr. Archer was only eight years old when Johnny visited the home of his grandfather David Archer. But Mr. Archer still recalls his quaint appearance. He tells of his wearing one boot and one shoe.
The apples, which Appleseed planted were of poor quality in the opinion of Mr. Archer. They were about like our crab apples of to-day, so sour they would make a piq squeal, Mr. Archer declared.
His death was as peaceful as his life. It was March 10, 1847, [document death date is March 18, 1845] that he appeared at the William Worth home, three miles north of Fort Wayne. His usual warm welcome was given to him. He declined to eat with the family but accepted some bread and milk, which he ate on the doorstep, as he sat gazing at the setting sun. Later in the evening, he read as was his wont, read from the Bible selecting a passage from the Beatitudes. He declined further accommodations and slept as usual, on the floor and in the early morning was found dying. He was unable to speak. He was then 72 years old and forty-six years had been given to his self-imposed mission.
The article then describes more of his life.
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1913, October 23 - Old Johnny Appleseed - is Recalled by the Indiana Apple Show -A Quaint Character Who Lies Buried Near the City of Fort Wayne. Johnny's picture is to be engraved on the loving cup offered to the Indiana public institution offering the best exhibit of apples at the Indianapolis show. Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 23 Oct 1913, Thursday, page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
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1913, October 29 - The Coming Indiana Apple Show - Johnny Appleseed. Johnny's picture is be engraved on a loving cup offered to the Indiana public institution offering the best exhibit of apples at the Indianapolis show. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette20 Oct 1913, Monday, page 12. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
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1914, 26 April - Does Anyone in Fort Wayne Know Where David Archer Cemetery is? Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 26 Apr 1914, Sunday, page 8. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022.
The article begins: Is David Archer's cemetery still in existence in Fort Wayne? Residents of Ashland county, O., would like to know and the following letter will explain. The letter was written to the Journal-Gazette by W. A. Duff and the clipping reprinted here recently appeared in the Ashland O. Times. The letter follows:
In the interest of many Ashland county people who treasure the traditions of Johnny Appleseed and the impress he left upon life in north and central Ohio, I would like to find out if David Archer's cemetery, north of Fort Wayne is still in existence. Historians gave its location as 2 1/2 miles north of Fort Wayne and in St. Joseph township, I would imagine that it is now a part of Fort Wayne and that the bodies have long since been removed.
Ashland and Fort Wayne, both of which were scenes of the pioneer orchardist's work, are on the Lincoln Highway and we in this state intend to commemorate him not only by planting apple trees along the highway but by erecting a monument to him. In southern Ashland county where a monument marks the place where some settlers were killed by Indians over a century ago, Johnny Appleseed is rememberd by an inscription and there is a small monument in Sherman-Heinemen park, Mansfield, but we desire to erect one along the Lincolnway, so that travelers across the continent will know and appreciate more fully the life and works of this great man.
The story continues.
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1914, May 3 - Two Men in Allen County Were Present at Appleseed Funeral. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 03 May 1914, Sunday, page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
As far as can be learned, but two persons remain in Allen county who were present at the burial of Johnny Appleseed, some sixty years ago. These men are Henry Flutter, living somewhere in Fort Wayne, and Hiram Porter, of St. Joe township. All efforts to locate Mr. Flutter have proved fuitless. Mr. Porter left Fort Wayne last Thursday for Winamac to attend the funeral of a relative. He is the father of Dr. H. I. Porter, of Fort Wayne. The son says that his father remembers very distinctly the burial of Johnny Appleseed and the old David Archer cemetery north and east of Fort Wayne.
In Fort Wayne there are many people who can locate the David Archer private burial ground, but it is a hard matter to find some one who hapened to be present when Appleseed was laid to rest.
Henry Flutter lived last winter in a small house one mile and a half south of Pontiac street, on Winter. The home burned down several months ago and Mr. Flutter moved to the corner of Harrison and Washington streets. He moved away from this place two months ago and no one seems to know just where he resides at present time. Mr. Flutter is known to have been present at the Appleseed funeral, however.
Through John H. Archer, 1308 Winter street, Fort Wayne, the names of Mr. Flutter and Mr. Porter were procured. Mr. Archer says he and Winfield Archer and Frank Goings cleaned the cemetery lot in August last year, and he is willing to go with anyone to this historical place.
Although very few people realize the fact, yet they pass by the David Archer cemetery every time they go to Robison park on the traction line. The track runs within one hundred feet of the cemetery.
In addition to Appleseed, some twenty or twenty-five persons have been buried in the David Archer cemetery. It contains about a half acre of ground and consequently not large enough to bury a great number. [contradicts the 150 number in May 10, 1914 article]
Henry Flutter, up until a short time ago, drove an express wagon in Fort Wayne, and was always considered an eccentric character. He knew much of the early history of the city, but somehow or other he has not been located recently.
Hiram Porter is also well acquainted with Allen country's early history, and he can find the Archer ecmetery and the grave of Johnny Appleseed.
If Mr. Flutter lives in Fort Wayne he is supposed to be the only resident here who attended Applesed's burial.
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1914, May 7 - Two Men in Allen County were Present at Appleseed Funeral article cut off, but is same article posted above in Daily Journal-Gazette. Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Journal-Gazette 07 May 1914, Thursday, page 4. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Page also contains Deaths.As far as can be learned, but two persons remain in Allen county
As far as can be learned, but two persons remain in Allen county who were present at the burial of Johnny Appleseed, some sixty years ago. These men are Henry Flutter, living somewhere in Fort Wayne, and Hiram Porter, of St. Joe township. All efforts to locate Mr. Flutter have proved fuitless. Mr. Porter left Fort Wayne last Thursday for Winamac to attend the funeral of a relative. He is the father of Dr. H. I. Porter, of Fort Wayne. The son says that his father remembers very distinctly the burial of Johnny Appleseed and the old David Archer cemetery north and east of Fort Wayne.
In Fort Wayne there are many people who can locate the David Archer private burial ground, but it is a hard matter to find some one who hapened to be present when Appleseed was laid to rest.
Henry Flutter lived last winter in a small house one mile and a half south of Pontiac street, on Winter. The home burned down several months ago and Mr. Flutter moved to the corner of Harrison and Washington streets. He moved away from this place two months ago and no one seems to know just where he resides at present time. Mr. Flutter is known to have been present at the Appleseed funeral, however.
Through John H. Archer, 1308 Winter street, Fort Wayne, the names of Mr. Flutter and Mr. Porter were procured. Mr. Archer says he and Winfield Archer and Frank Goings cleaned the cemetery lot in August last year, and he is willing to go with anyone to this historical place.
Although very few people realize the fact, yet they pass by the David Archer cemetery every time they go to Robison park on the traction line. The track runs within one hundred feet of the cemetery.
In addition to Appleseed, some twenty or twenty-five persons have been buried in the David Archer cemetery. It contains about a half acre of ground and consequently not large enough to bury a great number. [contradicts the 150 burial number in May 10, 1914 article]
Henry Flutter, up until a short time ago, drove an express wagon in Fort Wayne, and was always considered an eccentric character. He knew much of the early history of the city, but somehow or other he has not been located recently.
Hiram Porter is also well acquainted with Allen country's early history, and he can find the Archer cemetery and [article ends, but May 3, 1914 article continued with] the grave of Johnny Appleseed.
If Mr. Flutter lives in Fort Wayne he is supposed to be the only resident here who attended Applesed's burial.
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10 May 1914 - "Too Bad Johnny Appleseed Died So Early in Life;" His Life; Work Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 10 May 1914, Sunday, page 48. Clipped by RonaldChard1960 on 24 March 2017 titled: Another Johnny Appleseed article from 1914. It starts out: After so much has been said and written concerning the life of old Johnnp [y] Appleseed and the grave where he is buried, one man has been found in Allen county who was present at the funeral and who remembers the noted character well.
This man is Hiram Porter, the father of Dr. H. L. Porter, of Fort Wayne. At present he lives on a farm in St. Joe township. Mr. Porter's first words when asked about Johnny Appleseed were: It is too bad Johnny Appleseed died so early in life. He then describes his life. Further on in the second column he says:
When he took sick he was staying at the old Worth home and there he died. He wasn't sick very long He was a Protestant Methodist. I don't remember whether Jim Rice or Richard Worth preached his funeral, but it was one of the two men. [this supports the Methodist church history] I was present at the time and I can remember how the people felt when Appleseed passed away. People called him old Johnny, but he was only 35 years old when died. I believe it was in 1845 when he died. [records show he was 70 years old, born September 26, 1774 died March 18, 1845]
I can show you the cemetery and the spot where Appleseed is buried. If I am not mistaken 150 [6?] people are buried there. [contradicts the number 25 in May 3, 1914 article] My father and my two wives rest there, my three children and a brother and sister. That was known as the Old David Archer cemetery and for many years it was quite a curiosity. Now it seems to me more of a curiosity than ever from the way people are talking about it. The article continues three more paragraphs.
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1914, September 13 - Prominence of the ? in the Local History of Fort Wayne (Continued from the preceding page). Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 13 Sep 1914, Sunday, page 44. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Discusses lack of monuments for Chief Little Turtle, Johnny Appleseed, Colonel William Allen, General Anthony Wayne and more.
First column When That Monument?
It is said that the grave of Johnny Appleseed, that eccentric philantropist of the early pioneer years who established apple orchards all over this northwestern country, is located in the Archer cemetery near Fort Wayne. This fact however, did not prevent the people of Ashland, Ohio, and Mansfield, Ohio to which localities his early labors extended, from erecting marble monuments in his memory, one having been erected in recent years at Ashland and another at Mansfield.
Second column:
Not Surrounded by Doubt.
In the opening paragraph to this article it was said that there are a great many things about early Fort Wayne that we do not know, but that there are a great many things that we do know, behind which there is no need of the question mark. I have mentioned in the foregoing some of these, the first events in Fort Wayne. Let me briefly mention some of thes first things not sourrounded by doubt.
The first white male child born in Fort Wayne was Hyacinth Lasselle, the son of Col. and Mrs. James Lasell, on February 25, 1777, and the first white female child was James Suttenfield, the daughter of Col. and Mrs. Wm. Suttenfield. She was born on November 9, 1817. In the year afterward she became the wife of Myron F. Barbour, one of the first school teachers of the village.
While the first marriage of mention, already written about, was that of de Richarville and Little Turtle's sister, probably the first marriage in which both parites were white people was that of James Peltier and Angeline Chapeteau, in 1814. A child of this union was Louis Peltier, born in 1815, who became the first cabinet maker and undertaker in the pioneer village.
The first residence built in Fort Wayne was one erected by Col. Suttenfield. It was a log structure and stood at what is now the corner of Columbia and Barr streets. It was relocated afterward and became a part of the notable Washington hall, which is regarded as having been Fort Wayne's first amusement hall.
The first hotel in Fort Wayne, the first church edifice, and the first schoolhouse have been written about in this series of reminiscent articles and mention also made of the first landlord, first teacher and first resident minister of the gospel. The earliest mills have been featured and also the pioneer wagon roads, the rivers as avenues of travel, the historic Wabash & Erie canal; the first steam and electric railroads, and the pioneer burying grounds. In fact, about every first thing in Fort Wayne has come into mention in this series of reminiscent articles.
Uncertainty as to exact dates and details may characterize some of them, but in a general way less first ? in Fort Wayne are surrounded by doubt than in most other cities and counties, especially ones the histories of which date back to such an early period, for Fort Wayne is the oldest city in Northern Indiana, one of the oldest in the state and in this northwestern country.
Historical events of the dim past have been better preserved in written and printed form in Fort Wyne and Allen county that in any other city and county in the Hoosier state.
1915, July 17 - Six photos including tombstones and wooden fence gate in Archer Cemetery in Johnny Appleseed, Who Made Fruit to Flourish in Wilderness, Now Candidate for Belated Memorial Honors in Ohio and Indiana. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 17 Jul 1915, Saturday page 7. Clipped by abdillman81 21 Jan 2017 and ctisch1 on 19 Jul 2020.

The Fort Wayne Sentinel 17 Jul 1915, Saturday page 7. Clipped by abdillman81 21 Jan 2017 clipping image
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1915, September 3 - second annual Schlatter Reunion and tenth annual Chapman Family Reunion does not mention John Chapman aka Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 03 Sep 1915, Friday, page 19. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022.
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1915, November 29 - Purdue to Assist in Memorial Plan - Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 29 Nov 1915, Monday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Charles G. Sauers, landscape expert from Purdue university, will be in Fort Wayne Friday for the purpose of investigating the question of a memorial to Johnny Appleseed, and also to secure a rough plan for the beautification of the grounds surrounding the new Lincoln school in Washington township.
The fact that Purdue university is to assist in the movement for a memorial to Johnny Appleseed, whose body is buried in the Archer cemetery, northeast of the city, will cause no little interest. The movement was first started by the Ohio Apple Growers' association some months ago.
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1915, November 30 - Purdue to Assist in Plans for Memorial. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette30 November 1915, Tuesday, page 9. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Purdue university will send to Fort Wayne Friday Charles G. Sauers, landscape expert, to aid in the plans for a memorial to Johnny Appleseed, and also to secure a rough plan for the beautification of the grounds around the new Lincoln school, Washington township. Johnny Appleseed's body is buried in the Archer cemetery, northeast of the city. The movement for a memorial for him was started by the Ohio Apple Growers' association.
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1915, December 1 - Purdue to Assist in Memorial Plan Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel 01 Dec 1915, Wednesday, page 5. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
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1915, December 2 - Johnny Appleseed Memorial Assured. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 02 December 1915, Thursday, page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. On the theory that it is never too late to recognize the good that a man does even though the man has been dead for many years, the Indiana Horticultural society has taken up the movement originally launched by the Ohio Apple Growers' association for the erection of a monument to the memory of Johnny Appleseed.
C. G. Sauers, landscape expert of Purdue university, was a visitor in Fort WWayne Thursday to look over the grounds surrounding the new Lincoln school in Washington township with the view of beautifying them, and was to visit the grave of Johnny Appleseed, in the Archer cemetery northeast of the city, and gather all information available concerning Appleseed's life and eccentricities.
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1916, March 8 - Johnny Appleseed Celebration Here - Indiana Horticultural Society Sends Representative. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 08 Mar 1916, Wednesday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. M. W. Richards, prominent member of the Indiana Horticultural society was in the city Wednesday and made a visit to the grave of Johnny Appleseed, with a view to getting data that will assist in a celebration to be held some time in April or May. The unmarked grave of the queer wild man who brought the fist apple seeds to the middle west and planted them, has long been allowed to lie unknown and unvisited for years. However, several organizations recently have planned to mark the grave and the celebration by the horticultural society will be one of the features.
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1916, March 25 - To Erect a Monument - Boulder Will be Placed in Memory of Johnny Appleseed - Professor Richards and Mr. Smith Have Gone to Andrews to Look for Stone. Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 25 Mar 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Professor Richards, of Purdue university, and E. R. Smith, of Indianapolis, Ind., were in the city this morning in the interest of erecting a monument to the memory of Johnny Appleseed. With Colonel D. N. Foster they visited the different parks of the city and decided on a spot in Swinney park as a suitable place for a monument.
The grave of Johnny Appleseed will be fenced in. This will be done in honor of the memory of a man who formerly wandered over the country, particularly Indiana and Ohio, distributing appleseeds to the farmers and citizens, and urging them to plant them and grow trees. The expense of this work is being born by S. B. Fleming.
At the suggestion of Mr. Foster, Professor Richards and Mr. Smith went to Andrews, Ind., a short distance west of Huntington, this afternoon to find a suitable boulder to serve as a monument in Swinney park. A bronze tablet weill be placed on the boulder bearing the name and short biography of Mr. Appleseed.
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1916, March 25 - To Erect a Monument - Boulder Will be Placed to Memory of Johnny Appleseed - Professor Richards and Mr. Smith Have Gone to Andrews to Look For Stone. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 25 Mar 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Professor Richards, of Purdue university, and E. R. Smith, of Indianapolis, Ind., were in the city this morning in the interest of erecting a monument to the memory of Johnny Appleseed. With Colonel D. N. Foster they visited the different parks of the city and decided on a spot in Swinney park as a suitable place for a monument.
The grave of Johnny Appleseed will be fenced in. This will be done in honor of the memory of a man who formerly wandered over the country, particularly Indiana and Ohio, distributing appleseeds to the farmers and citizens, and urging them to plant them and grow trees. The expense of this work is being born by S. B. Fleming.
At the suggestion of Mr. Foster, Professor Richards and Mr. Smith went to Andrews, Ind., a short distance west of Huntington, this afternoon to find a suitable boulder to serve as a monument in Swinney park. A bronze tablet weill be placed on the boulder bearing the name and short biography of Mr. Appleseed.
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1916, 11 April - Arbor Day Program Suggested in Honor of Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 11 Apr 1916, Tuesday on page 3. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
Superintendent D. O. McComb of the Allen county schools yesterday received a letter from Charles A. Greathouse, state superintendent of public instruction, suggesting that a program be rendered in the shcools on Arbor Day, which will come this year April 21, in honor of John Appleseed. Superintendent McComb will ask the teachers that some mention be made during the day of the life and work of the man who went from place to place planting apple seeds.
In his letter Superintendent Greathouse says:
My Dear Sir:
Johnny Appleseed was our pioneer orchardist, and did work that is well worth remembering. He was buried at Fort Wayne and the State Horticulutural Society of Indiana has joined with the Ohio Horticultural society to erect at an early date a monument in one of the parks of Fort Wayne to mark his grave which up to this time has been neglected.
The importance of the fruit growing tree to Indiana makes it seem fitting that the schools join in paying tribute to the name of Johnny Appleseed. I have accordingly addressed to you booklets which tell of his life and works. I have also inclosed a suggested program that we will be glad to have followed in all the schools You may make it a part of your Arbor Day exercises.
Cordially yours,
Chas. A. Greathouse.
The program suggested by the board of education is as follows:
Song-(Suggested) - An Apple Orchard in the Spring [perhaps Apple Blossoms - William Wilsey Martin (1813-1913) also Apple Tree Poems labels this An Apple Orchard in the Spring by William Martin]
Silver, Burdette & Co.
Johnny Appleseed
Read by Teacher or Pupil
Poem- A Litte Red Apple Tree
Riley [The Little-Red-Apple Tree by James Whitcomb Riley]
Address -- County Agent, Citizen or teacher.
Eat an apple and repeat: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
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1916, April 11 - Prepares History - E. R. Smith Writes Interestingly of Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 11 April 1916, Tuesday, page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. An excellent history of Johnny Appleseed, whose grave in the David Archer graveyard, northeast of Fort Wayne, is soon to be marked with a monument to be erected by the Ohio and Indiana horticultural societies, has been prepared by E. R. Smith, president of the Indiana apple show commission.
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1916, April 19 -School Children to Eat an Apple Arbor Day; Special Program. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette19 Apr 1916, Wednesday, page 24. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Eat an apple and repeat; an apple a day keeps the doctor away, reads the last sentence of the program for Arbor day Friday in the Allen county schools. The programs have been sent to all the schools by the state board of education.
Johnny Appleseed is to be the hero in whose honor the programs are to be rendered. Superintendent D. O. McComb, of the Allen county schools, has asked the teachers to tell their pupils of the life and work of Johnny Appleseed, as has been requested by the state board.
Superintendent McComb is receivng from the teachers the manuscripts of the pupils who last Saturday took the eighth grade county examination. These papers will be graded at the superintendent's office in the court house, and all passing them will be given certificates at the county commencement exercises this spring.
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1916, April 19 - Program is Arranged - Memorial Service to be Held for Johnny Appleseed - Fancy Wrought Iron Fence Being Erected on Grave in Archer Cemetery. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 19 Apr 1916, Wednesday, page 17. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022
The article includes the inscription from large bronze tablet on the boulder monument.
JOHNNY APPLESEED (
John Chapman)
Born in Massachusetts, 1776.
Died near Fort Wayne, 1843.
Buried in the David Archer Cemetery.
Pioneer Apple Grower of Indiana and Ohio.
The Indiana Horticultureal Society and
All Those Who Are Endeavoring
to Carry on the Work He Nobly
Commenced join in Dedicating
This Monument to the Memory of His
Deeds.
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1916, April 19 - Program is Arranged Memorial Service to be Held for Johnny Appleseed - Memorial Servce to be held for Johnny Appleseed - Fancy Wrought iron Fence Being Erected on Grave in Archer Cemetery. Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 19 Apr 1916, Wednesday, page 17. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Same as Fort Wayne News above.
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1916, April 21 - Children Honoring Johnny Appleseed Memory of Eccentric Pioneer Arbor Day Observance Feature. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 21 Apr 1916, Friday, page 8. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Buried Near Fort Wayne Johnny Appleseed is buried in a cemetery at Fort Wayne, Ind. For years his grave has been uncared fro, but recently the Ohio and Indiana horticultural societies have joined to erect a monument. Former State Senator Stephen R. Fleming, of Fort Wayne, is one of the leaders in the movement to perpetuate the name of the pioneer orchardist of Indiana and Ohio.
Last paragraph: Johnny Appleseed's death was due indirectly to his love for his apple trees. He spent the latter part of his life with a relative near Mansfield, Ohio. In the winter of 1847, [documents show March 18, 1845] he learned that cattle had broken through a fence around one of his nurseries in northern Indiana, and set out on foot to make repairs. He arrived at the home a Mr. Worth, near Fort Wayne, where due to exposure, he was stricken with pneumonia, which resulted in his death within a few days.
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1916, April 21 - Life of Johnny Appleseed Recalled - History Prepared by E. R. Smith is Read in Schools of the County. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 21 Apr 1916, Friday, page 13. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
A brief history prepared by E. R. Smith, president of the Indiana Apple Show commission, was read in a majority of the schools of Allen county Friday in celebration of Arbor day. Appleseed's body is buried in the old Archer cemetery, northeast of Fort Wayne, where a monument is soon to be erected by the Indiana and Ohio Horticultural societies.
The history says that probably the most nearly authentic account of Appleseed, whose real name was John Chapman is found in the historic annals of Ohio, published by the Ohio Archelogical and Historical society in 1861. It is there stated that he was born in Massachusetts in 1775. Little is known of his early life except that he loved nature and that he was markedly unselfish. He loved the undisturbed forests. The sight of flowers on the open prairie was a feast to him. He looked upon all nature as his friends. He was never known to injure or to kill any living thing exept one rattlesnake, and that he always regretted. After he came to Ohio his mission in life seemed to be to plant apple trees and teach Swedenbergen religion.
He carried always a leather bag filled with apple seed and was constantly planting them in open places in the forests, along the roadways and by the streams. He soon was known as the apple seed man, and later his real name, John Chapman, seemed to disappear altogether and the name Johnny Appleseed was the only name by which he was known.
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1916, April 26 - Arrange Stone for Johnny Appleseed in Swinney Park. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 26 Apr 1916, Wednesday, page 7. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022.
M. W. Richards, secretary of the Indiana Horticultural society, was in Fort Wayne yesterday planning the location of the stone in Swinney park, in commeration of the work of Johnny Appleseed. A bronze slab will be placed on the side of the stone, telling for what it stands and something of Johnny Appleseed's life.
The stone will be placed upon a cement foundation in the park just west of the Swinney residence. The stone has been brought here and is being placed in shape so that it may be put in the park as soon as the slab is completed. The work is being done by the horticultral society. Near the place where the rock is to be located are three large apple trees, which are said to have been planted by Johnny Appleseed.
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1916, March 9 - Johnny Appleseed Celebration Planned. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 09 Mar 1916, Thusday, page 18. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022. M. W. Richards, a member of the Indiana Horticultural society, was in Fort Wayne yesterday and made a visit to the grave of Johnny Appleseed to get data for a program which is being planned for some time in April or May, and which will, in all probablity, be held in Fort Wayne. The unmarked grave of the queer man who planted broadcast apple seeds throughout the country, has been allowed to lie unknown for years. However, several organizations are now planning to mark the grave with some suitable monument.
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1916, April 9 - Johnny Appleseed poem. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 09 Apr 1916, Sunday, page 4. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
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1916, April 11 - Writes History of Johnny Appleseed - E. R. Smith Tells of His Death and Burial Near Fort Wayne. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel11 Apr 1916, Tuesday, page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
E. R. Smith, president of the Indiana Apple Show commission, has prepared a most interesting history of Johnny Appleseed, whose grave in the David Archer graveyard, northeast of Fort Wayne, is soon to be marked with a monument to be erected by the Ohio and Indiana Horticultural societies.
Johnny Appleseed, a pioneer orchardist by E.R. Smith a Google eBook posted online at HathiTrust.org. Johnny Appleseed, a Pioneer Orchardist by E. R. Smith, 1916 a Google eBook.
See the Publications section of our Johnny Appleseed page.
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1916, April 14 - Johnny Appleseed - Movement to Raise Monument Has Been Dropped. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 14 Apr 1916, Friday, page 7 Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. The movement among Washington township farmers which was started some time ago by George Jaap for the purpose of raising funds to assist the state horticultureal society in providing a monument for Johnny Appleseed has been dropped. The society has ample funds to care for the work and preparations are being made to bring a boulder from Andrews and to put on it a suitable bronze tablet. Nothing will be done for a while regarding the removal of an eighteen-ton boulder from its resting place along the Robison park carline to the grave of Johnny Appleseed several rods distant.
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1916, April 25 - Monuments in Memory of Heroes of Former Years - Belated Honor to Johnny Appleseed - Monument to His Memory to Be Unveiled in Swinney Park, May 5. To Erect Monument at Harmar's Ford - Homer Gordon Davissson is Given Commission by the D.A.R.'s. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 25 Apr 1916, Tuesday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022. Column for Harmar's Ford monument is on our Markers page.
Arrangements for the unveiling of a monument in Swinney park in memory of John Chapman, more familiarly known as Johnny Appleseed, whose body is buried in the Archer Cemetery northeast of the city, to take place on Friday afternoon, May 5, were completed Tuesday by Prof. M. W. Richards associate in horticultureal work of the Purdue experiment station.
Besides the monument which is to be erected in Swinney park, an ornamental iron fence is to be built around Appleseed's grave in the Archer cemetery, which, although there is no marker, it is believed has been located.
The approximate location of the grave was known to have been near the large tree in the northeast corner of the cemtery and in 1894, when the sexton was digging a grave he dug into a rough box such as Appleseed was buried in. It was the only box of the kind in the cemetery. In the box was the skeleton of what is believed to have been Appleseed.
Started in Ohio
The agitation for a monument in honor of Johnny Appleseed, who is responsible more than any other man for the many apple orchards in Ohio and northeastern Indiana, was first started by the Ohio Horticultural society. Later it was taken up by the Indiana Horticultural society and through the generosity of Stephn B. Fleming, who is defraying the greater portion of the expense, a belated appreciation of the work of Appleseed is to be expressed in the form, of a monument to his memory.
A large boulder, six feet high and four feet across, has been secured from the farm of Gottlieb Kramer and in the course of a few days is to be moved to Swinney park. On this boulder is to be placed a bronze tablet eighteen inches square, with Appleseed's picture and the following inscription: JOHNNY APPLESEED ( John Chapman) Born in Massachusetts, 1776. Died near Fort Wayne, 1843. Buried in the David Archer Cemetery. Pioneer Apple Grower of Indiana and Ohio. The Indiana Horticultural Society and All Those Who Are Endeavoring to Carry on the Work He Nobly Commenced join in Dedicating This Monument to the Memory of His Deeds.
Program is Completed
Prominent horticulturists of both Indiana and Ohio will take part in the unveiling exercises, while the unveiling address will be delivered by Hon. S. R. Fleming. The following program has been arranged: Address by William Walton, jr., Laporte, president of the Indiana Horticultural society; apple songs by the children of the Fort Wayne schools; address by Williiam J Hosey, mayor of Fort Wayne; address on Ohio's interest in Johnny Appleseed, by Dr. Alfred Vivian dean of the Ohio State Agricultural college; placing of historical documents in the monument. Prof. C. G. Woodbury, chief of horticulture, Purdue university; unveiling speech by Hon. Stephen B. Fleming; song by school children; trip to Archer cemetery to visit grave of Appleseed.
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1916, April 25 - Tablet for Monument to be Placed in Swinney Park in Honor of Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 25 Apr 1916, Tuesday, page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Johnny Appleseed
[ John Chapman ]
Born in Massachusetts,
1776 - died near Fort
Wayne, 1843. Buried in the
David Archer Cemetery.
Pioneer Apple Grower
of Indiana and Ohio. The
Indiana Horticultural
Society and All Those
Who are Endeavoring to
Carry on the Work He
Nobly Commenced Join in
Dedicating this
Monument to the Memory
of His Deeds.
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1916, April 26 - Belated Honor to Johnny Appleseed - Monument to His Memory to Be Unveiled in Swinney Park, May 5 - is missing the continued on page? Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel. 26 Apr 1916, Wednesday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Same as the April 25, 1916 article.
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1916, May 2 - City News - pear tree planted by Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 02 May 1916, Tuesday, page 16. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
City News - Standing as a memorial to one of the greatest benefactors of the race, a pear tree planted by Johnny Appleseed in 1842, may be seen in the yard at St. Joseph's hospital, and bears fruit every year. Mrs. Endora Boyles, 813 West main street, a daughter of the late L. J. Ferry, states that the old tree was planted at the time the property belonged to her father. It has since been acquired by St. Joseph's hospital.
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1916, May 4, Thursday - Hon. S. B. Fleming Donates Appleseed Monument to be Unveiled Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. 04 May 1916, Thusday, page 3. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022.
The monument which will be unveiled to Johnny Appleseed in Swinney park Friday afternoon has been donated by the Hon. Stephen B. Fleming. In the announcements of the unveiling one page is devoted to the following statement:
The erection of this monument was made possible through the generosity of Hon. Stephen Fleming, Fort Wayne, Ind.
The work is being done under the direction of the Indiana Horticultural society. The unveiling will take place at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon at the site of the monument just back of the Swinney residence in the park.
History of Appleseed then describes his life.
In the second column, second complete paragraph it states: Probably the most nearly authentic account of John Chapman and his work is found in the Historic Annals of Ohio, pubished by the Ohio Archeological and Historical society in 1861. It is there stated that he was born in Massachusetts in 1775. Little is known of his early life except that he loved nature and that he was markedly unselfish. His half-sister, who survived him, related many beautiful stories of his boyhood days. He loved the undisturbed forests. The sight of flowers on the open prairie was a feast to him. He looked upon all nature as his firends. He was never known to injure or to kill any living thing except one rattlesnake, and that he always regretted.
In the third column it states:
He had several nurseries in northern Indiana. One day he head that cattle had broken down the fences about one of them near Fort Wayne. He started there on foot to put it in repar. The weather was cold and disagreeable-snow was falling. At night he stopped at the home of Mr. Worth for shelter. It was readily granted him. He declined a bed and prepared to read and pray. Blessed are the pure in heart, then prayed for blessings upon all men, and nations and for comfort for all who were crippled and distressed. He prayer for universal happiness and peace, then lay down to sleep. In the morning pneumonia had developed and a few day later he died as he had lived, at peace with all the world. This was in 1847. [death notice was published March 22, 1845 in Fort Wayne Weekly newspaper].
Mr. Worth and neighbors buried his body in the David Archer graveyard near Fort Wayne.
The Indiana and Ohio State Horticultural societies in 1916 met in Fort Wayne and placed a substantial fence about the grave and in one of the parks of that city erected a suitable monument celebrating the work of this quaint, good man.
The story of Johnny Appleseed is retold here to keep alive the memory of this pioneer and his work in developing fruit growing in Indiana.
The story continues for a couple more paragraphs.
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1916, May 4, Thursday - under Society section Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Foster of Fairfield avenue, are entertaing Professor Vivian, who is to speak Friday evening at Swinney park on Johnny Appleseed. Professor Vivian accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Foster on their recent trip around the world. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 04 May 1916, Thursday, page 8. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
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1916, May 5, Friday Evening - The Johnny Appleseed Monument. Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 05 May 1916, Friday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Exact same newspaper as the following four clippings only slightly darker saved under a different name that includes "Daily News." Clipping is on the bottom left side of the front page of the same newspaper as the clipping shown below.
This is the granite monument and tablet unveiled at Swinney park today. The monument is situated on the hill just west of the Swinney residence. Professor Richards, of Purdue horticultural department, is seen standing by the stone.
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1916, May 5, Friday Evening - Pay Tribute to Appleseed - Monument Unveiled at Swinney Park This Afternoon - Special Program - Officials of Ohio and Indiana State Horticultural Societies Speak - Beautiful Ceremony - Eight Hundred School Children Sing Songs and Join With Citizens in Tribute. Front page. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 05 May 1916, Friday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW 18 Feb 2022. Clipping is upper right side of the front page of the newspaper. Photo below is bottom left side of same newspaper.
The monument to the memory of Johnny Appleseed at Swinney park was unveiled this afternoon. Approximately 800 school children were present, and scores of citizens of Fort Wayne, united in the simple but eloquent tribute to the man who lived a simple, unselfish life of service nearly one hundred years ago. The ceremonies were under the auspices of the Indiana and Ohio State Horticultural societies.
Edward R. Smith, president of the Indiana apple show commission, read a letter from Hon. Stephen B. Fleming. Mr. Fleming expresssed his regrets at being unable to be present and pointed to the wholesomeness of the motive which prompted the Indiana Horticultural society to pay tribute to the services this man, who now lies buried in the David Archer cemetery, rendered to the community. He stated that the quaint character lived a simple life, concentrating his energies along a definite line with the inevitable result-success.
William Walton, Jr., Laporte, president of the Indiana Horticultural society, delivered an addresss. Appropriate talks were also made by William J. Hosey, mayor of Fort Wayne; by Dr. Alfred Vivian, dean of the Ohio State Agricultural college, who spoke on Ohio's Interest in Johnny Appleseed.
Several apple songs were rendered
(Continued on page Sixteen)
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1916, May 5 - photo 05 May 1916 - The Johnny Appleseed Monument. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 05 May 1916, Friday, also on page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW 18 Feb 2022. Clipping is on the bottom left side of the front page of the same newspaper as the clipping shown above.
This is the granite monument and tablet unveiled at Swinney park today. The monument is situated on the hill just west of the Swinney residence. Professor Richards, of Purdue horticultural department, is seen standing by the stone.
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1916, May 5 - lighter clearer copy - 05 May 1916 - Pay tribute to Johnny Appleseed - part two. Two columns clipped from The Fort Wayne News 05 May 1916, Friday page 15. Clipped by StanFollisFW 18 Feb 2022. The columns
Pay Tribute to Appleseed (Continued From Page One.)
by the children of the Fort Wayne schools, among them, a song, Johnny Appleseed, a melody composed by Miss Ruth Caldwell, music instructor in the public schools. The songs were appropriately and neatly printed by the vocational school print shop.
Trip to the Cemetery
After the ceremony at Swinney park a trip was made to the Archer cemetery to visit the grave of Johnny Appleseed.
The historical documents were placed in a box in the monument by Professor C. G. Woodbury, and consisted of the following: Parchment Scroll; Johnny Appleseed, a novel by Elinor Atkinson; annals of the Historical and Archaeological society of Ohio--1886; proceedings of Indiana Horticultural society---1914; Johnny Appleseed, pamphlet by E. R. Smith, president Indiana apple show commission, and copies of the Fort Wayne newspapers.
Secretary Richards, of the society of Purdue university, has been here yesterday and today directing the arrangements. The direction of the movement since its inception has largely been in his hands.
The bronze table, which was placed upon the stone during the ceremony and which was donated by Hon. S. B. Fleming, was of excellent workmanship and beautifully inscribed. [the bronze tablet is shown in several sources with the 1916 memorial and April 25, 1916 Fort Wayne Sentinel newspaper photo
The huge boulder which henceforward will serve as a monument to the memory of the man who gave his life in service for the good of the people of northern Indiana and Ohio, was selected by a committee of men from this city and was found on a farm north of the city.
Appleseed's true name, so far as can be determined, was John Chapman. However, with his strange occupation he became knows as the apple seed man, and soon no other name was known for him except that of Johnny Appleseed.
The article continues discussing His Life ending with the now commonly repeated newspaper lines:
He lay down to sleep and awoke in the morning with pneumonia. He died a few days later, 1847. Mr. Worth and neighbors buried his body in the David Archer graveyard, near Fort Wayne.
His grave has been recently fenced in by the Indiana and Ohio State Horticultural societies, and the monument unveiled at Swinney park today has been created under their auspices and donated by Hon. Stephen B. Fleming. [original Johnny Appleseed grave site wrought iron fence postcards are commonly found on ebay.]
The article continues with a section titled An Ashland Monument.
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1916, May 5 - slightly less clear copy - 05 May 1916 - Pay tribute to Johnny Appleseed - part two. Two columns clipped from The Fort Wayne News 05 May 1916, Friday page 15. Clipped by StanFollisFW 18 Feb 2022.
Pay Tribute to Appleseed (Continued From Page One.)
by the children of the Fort Wayne schools, among them, a song, Johnny Appleseed, a melody composed by Miss Ruth Caldwell, music instructor in the public schools. The songs were appropriately and neatly printed by the vocational school print shop.
Trip to the Cemetery
After the ceremony at Swinney park a trip was made to the Archer cemetery to visit the grave of Johnny Appleseed.
The historical documents were placed in a box in the monument by Professor C. G. Woodbury, and consisted of the following: Parchment Scroll; Johnny Appleseed, a novel by Elinor Atkinson; annals of the Historical and Archaeological society of Ohio--1886; proceedings of Indiana Horticultural society---1914; Johnny Appleseed, pamphlet by E. R. Smith, president Indiana apple show commission, and copies of the Fort Wayne newspapers.
Secretary Richards, of the society of Purdue university, has been here yesterday and today directing the arrangements. The direction of the movement since its inception has largely been in his hands.
The bronze table, which was placed upon the stone during the ceremony and which was donated by Hon. S. B. Fleming, was of excellent workmanship and beautifully inscribed. [the bronze tablet is shown in several sources with the 1916 memorial and April 25, 1916 Fort Wayne Sentinel newspaper photo
The huge boulder which henceforward will serve as a monument to the memory of the man who gave his life in service for the good of the people of northern Indiana and Ohio, was selected by a committee of men from this city and was found on a farm north of the city.
Appleseed's true name, so far as can be determined, was John Chapman. However, with his strange occupation he became knows as the apple seed man, and soon no other name was known for him except that of Johnny Appleseed.
The article continues discussing His Life ending with the now commonly repeated newspaper lines:
He lay down to sleep and awoke in the morning with pneumonia. He died a few days later, 1847. Mr. Worth and neighbors buried his body in the David Archer graveyard, near Fort Wayne.
His grave has been recently fenced in by the Indiana and Ohio State Horticultural societies, and the monument unveiled at Swinney park today has been created under their auspices and donated by Hon. Stephen B. Fleming. [original Johnny Appleseed grave site wrought iron fence postcards are commonly found on ebay.]
The article continues with a section titled An Ashland Monument.
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1916, May 5 - An Ohio Tribute to Johnny Appleseed - Ashland, Ohio. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 05 May 1916, Friday, page 13. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022.
Ashland, O., May 4 - The barefoot hero, Johnny Appleseed, who is to be commemorated to-morrow in the unveiling of a boulder monument in Swinney park, Fort Wayne, has been increasing in fame most wonderfuly in the past year both in Indiana and Ohio. On the 28th of last July, in a a little park in this city of 10,000 inhabitatns was dedicated a boulder monument to which more than a thousand school children of this county contributed and schools in every section of the country brought in granite boulders. On this occasion, the 100th anniversary of the found ing of Ashland, it was thought fitting to commemorate Johnny Apppleseed, the pioneer orchardist, who for many years lived in this county, coming here more than a century ago and planting many orchards of apple trees in what is now Ashland county. The article continues...
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1916, May 5 - Johnny Appleseed Monument Unveiled Friday at Swinney Park - Apple Growers Pay Tribute - Monument to Memory of Johnny Appleseed is Unveiled - Ceremonies at Swinney Park - Visit is Made to Archer Cemetery Where Pioneer Orchardist is Buried. Clipped fromThe Fort Wayne Sentinel 05 May 1916, Friday, page 1 Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
The Johnny Appleseed monument unveiled Friday afternoon at Swinney park is a boulder standing nearly nine feet in height. In the above picture is seen the chisseled compartment in which was placed the historical document, and which was later covered with the bronze plate bearing a suitable inscription.
Apple Growers Pay Tribute - Monument to Memory of Johnny Appleseed is Unveiled - Ceremonies at Swinney Park - Visit is Made to Archer Cemetery Where Pioneer Orchardist is Buried
With fitting ceremonies that were attended by a large number from various parts of Indiana and Ohio, a monument in memory of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, pioneer orchardist of Indiana and Ohio, was unveiled in Swinney park Friday afternoon.
The Monument, which has been placed in the southeast part of the park in the rear of the Swinney homestead, consists of a huge granite boulder, bearing a bronze table, with the following inscription:
"Johnny Appleseed, (John Chapman) born in Massachusetts, 1776: died near Fort Wayne, 1843; buried in David Archer cemetery; pioneer apple grower of Indiana and Ohio; the Indiana Horticultural society and all those who are endeavoring to carry on the work he nobly commenced join in dedicating the monument to the memory of his deeds."
Ohio Association Prepresented
The John Chapman Memorial association of Ohio State university was represented at the unveiling by Dr. Alfred Vivian, dean of the agricultural college. William Walton, president of the Indiana Horticultural society, presided and besides Dr. Vivian, addresses were made by Mayor W. J. Hosey, of this city, and former State Senator Stephen B. Fleming, who was largely responsible for the fund with which the monument was placed. Fort Wayne school children sang a song, written especially for the
(Continued on Page 9, Column 5) - see next
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1916, May 5 - Apple Growers Pay Tribute (Continued from Page One). Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel05 May 1916, Friday, page 9. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Apple Growers Pay Tribute
(Continued from Page One)
occasion. Dr. Vivian told of Johnnny Appleseed's travel for more than forty years from Pennsylvania cider mills back and forth across Ohio and Indiana, planting new orchards and caring for his nurseries scattered over the two states.
Mayor Hosey called atttention to the fact that three apple trees supposed to be from Appleseed nurseries are still standing in Swinney park and Mr. Fleming related how johnny Appleseed, at the close of the war of 1812, traveled day and night, sccarcely taking time to eat, to warn the pioneers of central Ohio of an Indian outbreak.
Peace Scroll in Monument
In a crypt in the monument were placed historical documents, newspapers with reports of unveiling preparations and a parchment scroll bearing a tribute to Johnny Appleseed, signed by the officers of the Indiana Horticultural society. The scroll bore the following inscription:
"The Indiana Horticultural society being desirous to pay a just tribute to John Chapman (known as Johnny Appleseed) and to acknowledge with profound gratitutde his work as a horticulturist, have written their names on this parchment roll and now deposit in this crypt where it will remain as an everlasting testimonial to the memory of the man who brought to this country the apple and taught the early settlers how to grow it. He did more. He brought with the appleseeds a religion of love and scattered that as broadly and as thouroughly as he did the appleseeds. It was his hope that the two would grow together. It is with due reverence and deep gratitude that we subscribe our names."
Those who signed the scroll are William Walton, jr. president; C. G. Woodbury, vice-president; M. W. Richards, secretary-treasurer; E. R. Smith, E. Y. Teas, Walter Vonnegut, Joel Burton and C. M. Hobbs.
The bronze tablet was placed upon the stone during the ceremony. Back of the table was placed a box twelve inches long, eight inches wide and four inches deep.
School Children Sing
The singing of the school children was one of the impressive features of the exercises. The melody of the song which they sang was written by Miss Ruth Caldwell.
During the day a trip was made to Appleseed's grave in the David Archer cemetery, northeast of the city. An iron fence has been built around the grave.
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1916, May 6 - The Services of Johnny Appleseed are Formally Acknowledged Clipped from the Fort Wayne Daily News 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 11. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Photo of the Ashland, Ohio plaque stating An Appreciation The Indiana State Horticultural Society being desirous to pay a just tribute to John Chapman (known as Johnny Appleseed) and the monument at Ashland, Ohio.
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1916, May 6 - The Services of Johnny Appleseed are Formally Acknowledged- lighter version Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 11. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. Photo of the Ashland, Ohio plaque stating An Appreciation The Indiana State Horticultural Society being desirous to pay a just tribute to John Chapman (known as Johnny Appleseed) and the monument at Ashland, Ohio.
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1916, May 6 - Unveil Tablet to The Memory of Johnny Appleseed part one Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW 18 Feb 2022. They unveiled a monument to Johnny Appleseed yesterday afternoon on the hill to the left of the Washington street entrance in Swinney Park. The word "they" includes men, women, and children in every walk of life, numbering more than 1,000. The monument wasn't a lofty marble mountain towering above the trees which were just beginning to shott their green leaves. It was a "common large boulder still maintaining its natural roughness excepting where the cavity had been made for the tablet and metal box. The stone stood erect tapering to a peak seven feet and ten inches above ground. It weighs five tons, and on its west side is the bronze tablet has inscribed upon it the names of Johnny Appleseed, or John Chapman, with a number of facts re-garding the man who toiled unselfishly at the orchards and vineyards of to-day might bear the fruits of his labor. See more Johnny Appleseed Memorial information.
1916, May 6 - darker image - continued.

The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW 18 Feb 2022 clipping image
Scenes at Unveiling of Johnny Appleseed Monument - part two Full page whith photographs clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW 18 Feb 2022.
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1916, May 6 - After the Dedication of the Johnny Appleseed Monument Scene at the unveiling of the monument to the pioneer orchardist at Swinney park. Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
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1916, May 6 - After the Dedication of the Johnny Appleseed Monument. Scene at the unveiling of the monument to the pioneer orchardist at Swinney park. Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 1 Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
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1916, May 6 - Another Monument to Memory of Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 06 May 1916, Saturday, page 14. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. The monument unveiled Friday afternoon in Swinney park is not the first to be erected to the memory of Johnny Appleseed. In a letter to The Sentinel, W. A. Duff, one of the editors of the Ashland Press, tells of the monument erected in Ashland, Ohio, July 28, 1915.
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1916, May 9 - Her Uncle - Woman Declares That "Appleseed" Was Her Uncle and Not John Chapman Clipped from The Fort Wayne News 09 May 1916, Tuesday, page 14. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
Mary Anna Loring Wellsh came to Judge John W. Eggeman, of the circuit court, yesterday, and told him that Johnny Appleseed, to whom a monument was dedicated in Swinney park Saturday, was her uncle. She says his name was John Sheffield and not John Chapman, as historical writers declare.
Mrs. Wellsh is a widow, 68 years of age, and lives alone in a little cottage on Holton avenue. She can't understand how the mistake was made, for since she was a little girl she knew that Johnny Appleseed was her uncle. The case will be investigated, although not much faith is put in the story.
Discussed in the Steven Fortreide book Johnny Appleseed: the man behind the myth Chapter VI. Death and Burial on page 27 saying At the height of the controversy, Mrs. Mary Anna Wellsh came forward to declare that she was the niece of Johnny Appleseed, that his real name was John Sheffield, and that he was actually buried somewhere near New Haven.
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1916, May 9 - Her Uncle - Woman Declares That Appleseed Was Her Uncle and Not John Chapman.. Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 09 May 1916, Tuesday, page 14. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022. Same as The Fort Wayne News above although the image is less clear.
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1916, May 10 - Another Monument to Memory of Johnny Appleseed discusses the Mansfield, Ohio monument dedicated July 28, 1915. Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel 10 May 1916, Wednesday, page 3. Same as the May 6, 1916 article in the Sentinel. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022
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1916, May 10 - Sheffield Name of Johnny Appleseed Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel 10 May 1916, Wednesday, page 5. Clipped by jcook755 on 10 Feb 2022. Story claims Johnny Appleseed's name is really John Sheffield and not John Chapman by Mary Ann Loringa Wellsh residing on Holton avenue, near MacKinnie avenue. Discussed in the Steven Fortreide book Johnny Appleseed: the man behind the myth Chapter VI. Death and Burial on page 27 saying At the height of the controversy, Mrs. Mary Anna Wellsh came forward to declare that she was the niece of Johnny Appleseed, that his real name was John Sheffield, and that he was actually buried somewhere near New Haven. Similar to May 9, 1916 Daily News article.
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1916, 17 May - 'Appleseed's' Name Was Chapman, Claims Columbia City Man. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 17 May 1916, Wednesday, page 4. Clipped by ctisch1 on 21 Jul 2020.
Judge John W. Eggeman, of the circuit court, received the following letter yesterday from J. C. Leininger, of Columbia City, which discredits the story told him a week ago by Mrs. Mary A. Wellsh, of Holton avenue, that Johnny Appleseed was her uncle, John Sheffield, and not John Chapman, as historians agree. The letter follows:
I read an article in the Journal-Gazette concerning a woman who claims she is a niece of Johnny Appleseed, and says his name was Sheffield. She is mistaken, as it is known to a certainty his name was John or Johanthan Chapaman, and while not much is known of his early life, there are a few people yet living who knew and remember him.
Historians know he was born in Massachusetts, and not in England, as Mrs. Wellsh says, and traveled through Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. He had a sister, Persis Chapman-Broom, in Jay county, Ind., near the Ohio-Indiana state line, where he often visited, and also had a nursery on the farm where she lived.
Persis Chapman-Broom had five daughters, one of whom was married to my father, J. G. Leininger. He is past ninety years of age and living near Atwood, Ind. and can tell much of the history of Johnny Appleseed. The last niece I new of died about a year ago at Celina, O. She was my aunt and often visited at my home, and had often talked of her uncle whom she remebered, and of his travels, peculiarities, etc. Mrs. Wellsh is mistaken, beyond a doubt. She might have had an uncle who was nicknamed Johnny Appleseed after the real Johnny Appleseed, or John Chapman. Yours very truly, JOHN C. LEININGER.
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1916, May 23 - Want Bridge Built to Give Access to Appleseed's Grave Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 23 May 1916, Tuesday, page 20. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Alexander Johnson, who has just come to Fort Wayne from Indianapolis, where he attended the national conference of charities and corrections, has made a personal appeal to James M. Barrett, president of the Fort Wayne & Northern Indiana Traction company, that the company build a bridge across the old feeder canal along its Robison park line to give people access to the Archer cemetery in which Johnny Appleseed is buried.
Mr. Johnson told Mr. Barrett that, in view of the fact that a monument was recently erected in honor of the famous horticulturist, people should be given an opportunity to get into the cemetery where they might view his grave. The traction company is considering the matter.
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1916, September 16 - Great Friend of Appleseed - Hiram Porter, 91, Only Living Man who Attended Funeral. Says His Right Name Was Tatman. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 16 September 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022. Same article is in the Weekly Sentinel below.
Hiram Porter, 81 years old and who claims to be the oldest school teacher in Indiana, came walking spryly across the corn field, a quarter of a mile from his home, when a reporter called to interview him, Friday. Porter was a personal friend of Johnny Appleseed and is the only person living who attended the funeral of that celebrity. er has lived in Allen county eighty-three years.
Porter began teaching school in 1847 and taught until 1861, or sixteen terms. Seven members of his first class shouldered muskets at Lincoln's first call and marched away to the civil war. Not a member of the first classes Porter taught are living today.
Porter has watched the growh of Fort Wayne from the days when it clustered about the Johns' grist mill, where the water works plant now stands. Porter saw the first brick house built in the city in 1856. It was on Columbia street, near Calhoun, and belonged to a family named Arter.
It was given Porter to know the full history of the St. Mary's canal from its inception, its building, the days when it teeemed with the commerce of the middle west and when it was abandoned. Porter's father helped to build the canal.
This remarkable old man stays in the home of his son-in-law, L.S. Byers, seven miles from Fort Wayne on the St. Joe road, on the farm where Porter settled with his parents in 1833 when they came to Allen county from
(Continued on Page 2, Column 2.)
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1916, September 16 - Great Friend of Appleseed - (continued from Page 1.) Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 16 September 1916, Saturday, page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
Scioto county, Ohio. For eighty-three years Porter has lived in Washington and St. Joe townships. [Skip to second column]
The most remarkable thing I know of is the growth of Allen county. I saw the trees cover all this land. I saw the St. Joe road blazed by markings on the side of the big trees, past this house. I have watched Fort Wayne become a great city. I can notice the changes so much because I miss the trees. This was a wonderful land for fine trees.
Talks of Johnny Appleseed. When asked about Johnny Appleseed, Porter said.
I knew that quaint fellow about as well as anybody. He stayed at our house many times. Mostly he walked over the country, but sometimes he used his canoe. He always said this was the most beautiful country through which he traveled.
Johnny Appleseed's real name was Tatman and not Chapman, as the papers have said. He had a marked temper. Whenever he stumbled it would make him so mad that he would pull the shoe off that foot and walk all day with one shoe off to punish himself.
I helped plant a part of the trees over on the Coldwater road where Appleseed had his nursery, Porter said. I am the only person living who attended his burial. There was no real funeral. There was no minister. Several of us who were his friends got him a coffin and stood around when he was lowered into the grave. His one hobby all his life had been apple trees, and we said so then.
Porter reminisced about many things including
Woods Filled with Deer Up until the civil war times the woods around Fort Wayne were filled with deer, Porter recalls. Often herds of twenty or thirty of the fleet animals would scamper away through the thick forests as the teacher trod to school in the late '50s. Indians were constantly hanging about the houses wanting to swap valueless valuables. Porter remembers well when the gold fever swept the country in '49. Many people left good farms to hurry west, he said.
The clipping is short one column, but is shown in the Weekly Sentinel version below.
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1916, September 16 - Great Friend of Appleseed - Hiram Porter, 91, Only Living Man Who Attended Funeral - Says His Right Name was Tatman - Allen County Pioneer Taught School Seventy Years Ago Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel 16 Sep 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Same as the Daily Sentinel above, lighter and easier to read.
Hiram Porter, 81 years old and who claims to be the oldest school teacher in Indiana, came walking spryly across the corn field, a quarter of a mile from his home, when a reporter called to interview him, Friday. Porter was a personal friend of Johnny Appleseed and is the only person living who attended the funeral of that celebrity. er has lived in Allen county eighty-three years.
Porter began teaching school in 1847 and taught until 1861, or sixteen terms. Seven members of his first class shouldered muskets at Lincoln's first call and marched away to the civil war. Not a member of the first classes Porter taught are living today.
Porter has watched the growh of Fort Wayne from the days when it clustered about the Johns' grist mill, where the water works plant now stands. Porter saw the first brick house built in the city in 1856. It was on Columbia street, near Calhoun, and belonged to a family named Arter.
It was given Porter to know the full history of the St. Mary's canal from its inception, its building, the days when it teeemed with the commerce of the middle west and when it was abandoned. Porter's father helped to build the canal. Continued on a second page.
This remarkable old man stays in the home of his son-in-law, L.S. Byers, seven miles from Fort Wayne on the St. Joe road, on the farm where Porter settled with his parents in 1833 when they came to Allen county from
(Continued on Page 2, Column 2.)
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1916, September 16 - Great Friend of Appleseed (Continued from Page 1). Clipped from Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel 16 Sep 1916, Saturday, page 2. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Scioto county, Ohio. For eighty-three years Porter has lived in Washington and St. Joe townships. [Skip to second column]
The most remarkable thing I know of is the growth of Allen county. I saw the trees cover all this land. I saw the St. Joe road blazed by markings on the side of the big trees, past this house. I have watched Fort Wayne become a great city. I can notice the changes so much because I miss the trees. This was a wonderful land for fine trees.
Talks of Johnny Appleseed. When asked about Johnny Appleseed, Porter said.
I knew that quaint fellow about as well as anybody. He stayed at our house many times. Mostly he walked over the country, but sometimes he used his canoe. He always said this was the most beautiful country through which he traveled.
Johnny Appleseed's real name was Tatman and not Chapman, as the papers have said. He had a marked temper. Whenever he stumbled it would make him so mad that he would pull the shoe off that foot and walk all day with one shoe off to punish himself.
I helped plant a part of the trees over on the Coldwater road where Appleseed had his nursery, Porter said. I am the only person living who attended his burial. There was no real funeral. There was no minister. Several of us who were his friends got him a coffin and stood around when he was lowered into the grave. His one hobby all his life had been apple trees, and we said so then.
Porter reminisced about many things including
Woods Filled with Deer Up until the civil war times the woods around Fort Wayne were filled with deer, Porter recalls. Often herds of twenty or thirty of the fleet animals would scamper away through the thick forests as the teacher trod to school in the late '50s. Indians were constantly hanging about the houses wanting to swap valueless valuables. Porter remembers well when the gold fever swept the country in '49. Many people left good farms to hurry west, he said.
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1916, October 7 - Descendant of Original City Planner First Visitor - Niece of Johnny Appleseed Views the Exhibit Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 07 Oct 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Gets Flying Start
John E. Lathrop immensely Gratified with Prosepect-School Children to Attend
EXHIBIT OPEN SUNDAY
In order that those who have been unable to see the City Planning exhibit in the court house during the week can see it, the commissioners will have the building kept open from 2 until 5 o'clock on Sunday afternoon.
"Who do you think was the very first visitor at the city planning exhibition this morning?"
"I'll bite; who was it?" the object of his excited question parried.
"None other than the niece of Johnny Appleseed, or John Chapman Sheffield, the original city planner of them all," was the reply. But let Mr. Lathrop tell his own story. [Sheffield was discussed in May 9, 10, and discredited in a May 17 newspaper article]
"I was looking over the exhibit at 10 o'clock, the hour set for tis opening, this monrning," Mr. Lathrop said, "when I saw a little woman intently examining the vrious plats, drawings and other objects. She seemed so intensely interested that I approached her and began talking with her about the exhibit. Her remarkable comprehension of what we are trying to do struck me most forcibly and finally I asked her name.
"She smiled and said, 'My name is Mrs. Anna Lorenza Wilson and I live on Holton avenue. I am a niece of the original Johnny Appleseed.'
"I enjoyed a long talk with her about her famous ancestor and I want
(Continued on page fourteen.)
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1916, October 7 - Descendant Original City Planner First Visitor (Continued From Page One)- cuts off final lines of article! Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News 07 Oct 1916, Saturday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
to say that I take off my hat to Johnny Appleseed as being the original city planner of them all. He went out into what was then almost a wilderness preaching the gospel of planning for the future. It was most wonderfully fitting that a descendant of his should be our first visitor.
"The city planning exhibit week started without a hitch at 10 o'clock this morning thanks to the splendid organization Fort Wayne had prepared. It was the first time in my experience that a week ever started on time, and I am indeed greateful to the men and women who made this possible.
This afternoon a meeting of the Women's Club league will be held at the assembly room in the county building.
Miss Rhoda Braddock is in charge of the school children's delegations to attend the city planning exhibit. Six hundred of them will be brought by special street car service each day to the court house in charge of Miss Braddock, who evolved the entire plan for bringing the children to the county building with the least cofusion.
The Decorations.
The committee decorating the courthouse for the city planning exhibition, are indebted to Clem Lanternier for the loan of palms, ferns and hanging baskets; to Markey Brothers for plants and plant stands; to the Doswell Floral company for palms and oak leaves and plant stands; to Mr. Pandell for cut flowers; to Mr. E. H. Briggs for the autumn decorations used in the assembly room, and to the Foster Furniture company for the loan of chairs,
1916 - Descendant Original City Planner First Visitor - cont'd part 2

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floor lamps and screens, to Wenninghoff Bros., for plant stands, and to the city park board for the use of its large palms, pandanas and ferns and the cooperation of its employes in assisting in the decoration.
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1916, October 27 - Farmers for Dam - St. Joe Township Property Owners Favor Improvement Clipped from Fort Wayne Daily News27 Oct 1916, Friday, page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
The farmers living along the St. Joe river, north of the city, have registered their approval of the plans for the proposed dam and parkway along the St. Joe to provide a pulbic recreation ground for the people. They are also much interest in the hike which occurs tomorrow afternoon at 1:30, starting from the State street bridge or at 1 o'clock from the court house.
Several farmers have promised the hikers a big bonfire at the site of the old paper mill dam. The grave of Johnny Appleseed, a historic character of Indian days, is on the route of this hike and will be visited.
The various scenic beatuy sports will be pointed out and explained by the various guides provided by the association.
Fort Wayne people who wish to enjoy a fine day's outing as well as learn of the beautiful recreation places we have at our doors, will be repaid by joining in this hike Saturday.
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1916, December 1 - Will Unveil Johnny Appleseed Monument Today; Fleming Here Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 05 May 1916, Friday, page 14. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
In honor of the man who went from place to palce planting apple seeds, a monument will be unveiled to-day in Swinney park. That man was Johnny Appleseed, whose true name so far as can be determined, was John Chapman.
The program will open promptly at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Officials of the Indiana Horticultural society who are planning the affair, stated last night that the Hon. Stephen B. Fleming is expected to arrive this morning and that he will be on the program. Dr. Alfred Vivian, dean of the Agricultural college of Ohio State university, will arrive at noon to-day from Columbus, O. He will be met at the train by the Hon. S. M. Foster. Dr. Vivian will deliver a short address during the program. Mr. Fleming will deliver the unveiling addresss. Mayor W. J. Hosey will give a short talk as will William Walton, jr., president of the Indiana Horticultural society.
The bronze tablet will be placed upon the stone during the ceremony. Back of the tablet will be placed a box twelve inches long, eight inches wide and four inches deep. In this will be placed the signed appreciation of the work of Johnny Appleseed, a copy of the proceedings of the society during 1915 [no mention of Appleseed in the 1915 proceedings - the 1914 proceedings mention Appleseed], the book, "Johnny Appleseed, the Romance of the Sower" by Eleanor Atkinson; the small pamphlet which has been published on the work of Johnny Appleseed, a copy of the other daily papers with reports of the unveiling preparations.
Secretary Richards, of the society, of Purdue university, arrived in Fort Wayne yesterday afternoon to complete arrangements for the program. He declared that Fort Wayne is the proper place for such occasions as this because the newspapers get back of the work and aid in pushing it. He said he was more than pleased with the published account of the life of Chapman in Thursday morning's paper.
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1917, March 18 - Annual Report of the Fort Wayne Park Board - lists several interesting topics such as St. Joe Dam for boating and a park, First Swimming Pool at Lawton Park, Planning for the Anthony Wayne Equestrian Statue at Hayden Park fronting the Lincoln Highway, Johnny Appleseed monument at Swinney Park, Lakeside Park monument to John Wyllys and brave soldiers killed at Harmar's Ford, Perry Randall monument at Swinney Park, and plan to build a Lincoln cabin replica. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 18 Mar 1917, Sunday, page 7. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
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1919, January 12 - Haunts of Scenic Beauty on Annual Bird Census Made by Mr. Adolph Lepper - Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 12 Jan 1919, Sunday, page 6B. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Blurry photos along the old tow path of the Wabash & Erie Canal. The annual bird walk counted twenty-three species. The fifth paragraph mentions they were in St. Joe Township near where Johnny Appleseed lived his last years, the old paper mill, the school house, beautiful new Parker chapel while discussing the old canal mentioning the German and Irish immigrants who constructed the canal.
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1919, March 3 - Park Board Makes Report for 1918 Showing Vast Volume of Work Done. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 03 Mar 1919, Monday, page 16 Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. Article mentions Hon. W. Sherman Cutshall, Mayor, 45 acres added to Swinney park, Memorial Park, Addition to Lawton Park, Water Supply for Lakes, Anthony Boulevard Pavement, Park Acreage of Indiana Cities, Dedication of Wayne Monument, A List of Fort Wayne Monuments: Soldier's Monument, Spanish War Monument, General Henry W. Lawton, Wayne Trace , Johnny Appleseed Monument, Harmar's Crossing, Perry A. Randall, Commodore Perry, General Anthony Wayne, Proposed Lawton Monument, Changes of Secretary.
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1919, May 17 - Present Month Marks Appleseed Anniversary. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 17 May 1919, Saturday, page 7. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. The present month marks the third anniversary of the erection of the boulder monument to Johnny Appleseed in Swinney park. On May 5, 1916, the monument was dedicated and the memory of the pioneer orchardist and soldier of peace beautifully commemorated by appropriate services. Hundreds of school children sang the lesson of the quaint old man's life in not ony planting apple trees but also the inspiration to noble deeds in the hearts of early settlers of Ohio and Indiana was splendidly brought out.
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1920, November 1 - Apple Week is Opened - Fort Wayne Dealers Arrange Displays of Fruit Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 01 November 1920, Monday, page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 19 Feb 2022.
Apple Week opened in earnest today with many wholesale and retail dealers arranging fine displays of the fruit in their store windows. Grocers and commission dealers have received unusually large and fine shipments of the fruit and will make it the leading item throughout the week.
Enlarging upon the idea of a National Apple Day, an Apple Week has been designated this year and the Horticultural societies and Apple Shippers' associations throughout the land are making a concerted effort to concentrate public attention to the King of Fruits--the apple
The land was assigned by the General Court of the Colony to Governor Winthrop, first governor of Massachusetts, on condition that he plant in it an orchard of apple trees.
One of the most widely known names connected with the movement for more apple trees, is that of Johnny Appleseed, whose real name was John Chapman. Early in the 1800's Johnny Appleseed traveled from clearing to clearing on horseback, distributing apple seed carried in saddle bags, in order that the settlers might have other food than wild game and fish found in the forest and streams.
A monument has been erected by the Indiana Horticultural society in the David Archer graveyard, near this city, which marks the last resting place of Johnny Appleseed.
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1922, October 11 - Dr. Hillis Visits Appleseed's Grave. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 11 Oct 1922, Wednesday, page 7. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
Dr. Newell Dwight Hillis and a party of Fort Wayne friends this morning visited the grave of Johnny Appleseed, which is in the old Archer burying ground, near the old Robison park. Dr. Hillis is the author of the book, The Quest of John Chapman. The author was deeply moved as he stood over the grave of Johnny Appleseed, a character so well known in american literature.
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1922, October 12 - Visits Grave of Johnny Appleseed Dr. Newell Dwight Hillis Urges Erection of Suitable Monument in Honor of Man Who Roosevelt Said Was One of Greatest Americans in History. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 12 Oct 1922, Thusday, page 8. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022. The long newspaper article ends with:
A touching yet inspiring scene was enacted near Fort Wayne yesterday afternoon when a well-known author, half surrounded by a group of Fort Wayne men, stood with head bared looking down upon the faintly marked grave of John Chapman, perhaps more lovingly known as Johnny Appleseed.
The author was Dr. Newell Dwight Hillis, for more than 24 years pastor of the Congregational church at Brooklyn N. Y. He is the author of The Quest of John Chapman, and as he looked down at the seemingly neglected grave of the man who had made it possible for the book to be written, thoughts of what the difficulties, hardships, triumphs and achivements were in those pioneer days of America, must have passed through his mind.
Poor Johnny Appleseed. A man who Theordore Roosevelt said was one of the greatest Americans in history, a man who had made possible the extensive studies of Luther Burbak, the great naturalist, who died recently. [April 11, 1926] Appleseed, the pioneer who suffered hardships that later on settlers may reap the fruits of his labors, it was said at the graveside yeasterday.
Visits Grave
Dr. Hillis was evidently touched with the crude appearance of the grave, its insignificant approach, and yet surrounded by that loneliness that was such an important factor in the life of Johnny, the mysterious traveler.
The grave is situated in a lonely spot amidst several mounds of unmarked graves, in the old Archer burying ground, near the old Robison park car line. A small, frail fence surrounds the mound over the grave, and a small unpainted iron plate denotes the fact that John Chapman lies beneath there.
Johnny Appleseed was quite a character in the days of 1788 and 1800.
It was in the year of 1786 when he was near Fort Pit, near the present site of Pittsburgh, that Johnny began to attract attention. Despite the fact that he was well know to settlers in Pennsylvania and Ohio, he remained somewhat of a mystery.
In 1788 a large gathering of soldiers were at Fort Pit, Johnny Appleseed was seen to approach with a crude sort of boat, made out of a hollow bark. He wore a coonskin hat with the tail hanging to his neck, a fur coat and rough pants. He carried a crude but effective gun and a hunter's knife at this belt.
In his boat were several sacks of appleseed which he zealously guarded.
The captain in charge of the fort warned Johnny not to dare put his head above the boards in his boat (indicating that the Indians would shoot him) and then pushed Johnny's boat off.
Johnny made his way south on the Ohio river. He would stop during his long and often weary travels. Having approached a thick woods, he would clear the ground, plant appleseeds and then build a small but durable fence to keep off animals. On one tree which stood near such an orchard, he erected a sign bidding settlers who would follow him in later years to partake of the fruits, but to be sure that they left the fence intact.
Many Trees Planted
Hundreds of trees were similarly planted by Johnny Appleseed throughout Ohio, and today, said Dr. Hillis, his efforts can be rememberred every time we seen an apple.
Johnny Appleseed was born in 1766. He died in 1843, a poor, sick man, lonely, uncared for and his real sufferings unknown to anyone. His last days were spent in a fur-thatched hut on the old Archer farm. His needs were many and he was old, 78 years old, and practically penniless. He was buried just a few yards from the old hut in which he died, and it was many years before it became generally known where Johnny Appleseed was buried.
As Dr. Hillis recited the story of the life of the old pioneer, while at his hotel yesterday afternoon, Dr. Hillis said, Not a boy or a girl could read the story of the unselfish life of Johnny Appleseed without becoming better.
Never Fully Appreciated
John Chapman was a man whose greatness was never fully appreciated. his tomb is practically unmarked, yet other great men who have died and their bodies lay beneath imposing columns and are know to everyone, said Dr. Hillis.
Dr. Hillis expressed the desire that some suitable monument should mark the resting palce of John Chapman, to commorate the life and achivements of such a find and noble character.
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1922, October 31 - half page article National Apple Week in the middle of the page under the section The Work of Johnny Appleseed discusses his history. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 31 Oct 1922, Tuesday, page 6. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022.
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1923, March 16 - poem: From In the Praise of Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette16 March 1923, Friday, page 4. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
This poem is a shortened version of a much longer poem. On page 87 is a very long III. Johnny Appleseed's Old Age in Collected Poems by Vachel Lindsay published in 1925 on Archive.org who discusses Johnny Appleseed many times in the book. Others are American Poetry 1922/In Praise of Johnny Appleseed at Wikisource.org from the stanza III. Johnny Appleseed's Old Age or In Praise Of Johnny Appleseed by Vachel Lindsay [?] Page 3 at Fullreads.com.
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1923, June 13 - Historical Societies mentions Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel 13 June 1923, Wednesday, page 4. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022.
HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Fort Wayne will entertain this week the members of the Society of Indiana Pioneers and the Indiana Historial society. These historians are coming to one of the most historical spots in Indiana--a spot recognized by Washington as the logical site for the United States to establish its strongest western post, for the accomplishment of which he sent Harmar, St. Clair and Wayne.
White settlers were in these parts as early as 1644, when Samuel De Champlain, governor of new France, (Canada) and founder of Quebec, is believed to have seen the Maumee. Certain it is that Champlain's map of 1632 indicates the Maumee, the St. Mary's and the St. Joseph's rivers.
There is a real need of societies such as will meet here this week and to them we are greatly indebted for their splendid efforts in the promoting of interest in history, as well as for the locating of historic spots. It is sincerely hoped that the time is not far distant when, through the instrumentality of such organizations all historic spots will be owned by the United States and marked with appropriate monuments as a fitting token of appreciation for the heroic deeds of the early pioneers and for the enlighenment of future generations.
There are many such spots around Fort Wayne, a number of them being marked by the Fort Wayne chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. All of these will be visited. Perhaps one of the most interesting spots will be the grave of Johnny Appleseed on the old Archer farm northeast of the city. On May 5, 1916, a bronze tablet in commemoration of the life work of this eccentric character was unveiled in Swinney park by the Indiana Horticultural society. Johnny Appleseed whose real name was John Chapman, was born in Massachusetts in 1776, and died near Fort Wayne in 1843. The wonderful apple orchards thoughtout Ohio, Indiana and other states in the middle west are the result of his work.
We hope our historical visitors will enjoy their stay in Fort Wayne and view with delight our three rivers, which they will find very much in their primitve state---very much in fact as De Champlin found them on his memorable visit in 1614, except with much less water in them and more tin cans on their banks that when the famous Frenchman saw them.
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1923, June 15 - Visit Made to Historic Sites - Members of Historical Organization are Taken on Tour Today. - Hold Banquet Tonight they visited John Chapman, Anthony Wayne, Perry A. Randall, Little Turtle, Wayne Trace, and others. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Sentinel15 June 1923, Friday, page 1. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 18 Feb 2022.
Scenes of the historic and heroic days of pioneer Fort Wayne were today visited by the members or the Society of Indiana Pioneers and of the Indiana Historical society, who arrived in this city from Indianapolis Thursday afternoon. The sites of bygone Indian camps and battles and the monuments marking the impotant events which were transcacted on Fort Wayne territory during the French-Indian days, were carefully pointed out to the visitors by local persons and a complete history of the settlement of the country given.
A start by the party comprised of some 50 or 50 people was made at 8:30 o'clock this morning from the Fort Wayne public library. The tour led west to Swinney park, where the statue of Col. D. N. Foster and the tablet to John Chapman (Johnnie Appleseed) and the monument to Perrry A. Randall, former mayor, were pointed out. This historic story of the Maumee-Wabash portage at St. Mary's river and Wayne street was told and then the tour led to the site of the oldest known French fort on Fort Wayne soil, at the extreme west end of Superior street on the river bank.
Visits were made to the scene of the massacre of American soldiers at the bend of St. Mary's river at Van Buren street and to the site of the last French fort, erected in 1750 at St. Joe boulevard and Delaware avenue. The party passed over the site of the slaughter of the regulars under Major John Wylls, 1790, in the Maume river. The battlefield of Harmar's Ford was visited and the story of his defeat told to the tourists, and then the tour led to Hayden park, where the equestrian statue of General Anthony Wayne was pointed out. [The Anthony Wayne statue is now in Headwaters Park]
Visit Wayne Trace
The party then traversed Wayne Trace over which General Harmar's ill-fated army came in 1790. The site of the fort erected in 1794 by General Anthony Wayne on East Berry street and then the site of second Fort Wayne at Old Fort park was shown. The old councilhouse on Main street near the No. 1 fire state was passed and the party then went out Spy Run avenue, the territory which was once granted to Capt. William Wells, who married the daughter of Chief Little Turtle, and was a scout and friend of Wayne.
The supposed grave of Little Turtle was visited, at the rear of 634 Lawton place, and also the grave of John Chapman, at the Rudisill farm. The tour was completed late this afternoon and concluded at the Anthony hotel.
Many of the modern buildings and monuments to great men were passed during the tour and their significance explained to the visitors.
This evening at 6:30 o'clock a banquet will be held at the Wolf & Dessauer auditorium. Dr. L. Park Drayer will act as toastmaster and Mrs. Samuel R. Taylor, president of the Fort Wayne Historical society will preside. Charles M. Niezer will talk upon the subject, A Word of Appreciation; Dr. Amos Butler of Indianapolis, president of the Soceity of Indiana Pioneers, on the subject, The Pioneer, and Mrs. Kate Milwer Rabb, of Indianapolis, will take on the subject, Pilgrimages.
Grandson of Little Turtle
Charles F. Spaulding, of this city, who is a great grandson of Little Turtle will talk on A Genealogy and Mrs. Laura Detzer, of this city, on the subject, Fort Wayne in 1790. The visitors will return to Indianapolis Saturday morning.
The party arrived here Thursday afternoon and were entertained at an informal dinner at 6:30 o'clock at the chamber of commerce. Bert J. Griswold, spoke at a meeting held at 8 o'clock Thursday evening at the chamber of commerce in which he gave the story of the city from Indian days to the present time. The philharmonic chorus sang several selections.
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1923, July 15 - Recent Historical Pilgrimage to Fort Wayne is Recounted. Clipped from The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette 15 Jul 1923, Sunday, page 9B. Clipped by StanFollisFW on 20 Feb 2022. BOTTOM OF CLIP MISSES BOTTOM OF PAGE. The almost full page somewhat blurry article starts out saying:
An echo of the visit last month of members of the Society of Indiana Pioneers and the Indiana Historical society to historic Fort Wayne comes in the story of the pilgrimage, written by Miss Lucy M. Elliott, assistant director of the Indiana historical commission which has been sent into every county of the state and to a large number of readers outside of the borders of Indiana.
In addition to Miss Elliott's story, Mrs. Kate Milner Rabb, who writes the department in the Indiaiapolis Star called A Hoosier Listening Post, has been devoting much space in praising Fort Wayne as a historic spot.
Miss Elliottt says in her report:
The Society of Indiana Pioneers and members of the Indiana Historical society started on their pilgrimage into the land of the Miamis on the morning of June 14, 1923. On the way we were joined by Miss Margaret Stage at Kokomo, and by Dr. P. G. Moore, at Huntington. At 4 p. m. we entered the glorious gateway and were met by B. J. Griswold, Fort Wayne historian, vice-president of the Historical society and leading spirit in the entertainment of the pilgrims.
[jumping three columns to the right towards the bottom]
Visit Rudisill Farm
We next drove to the Jacob Rudisill farm, within which is the old Archer burying ground, where lies the body of Johnny Appleseed, or John Chapman, who died, after his long and lonely, but beneficial life. March 11, 1843, [1845] at the home of William Worth. The grave is about one and one-half miles north of Fort Wayne. An evergreen tree guards the place, and we wended our way across fields and up a sloping hillside, covered with wild strawberries, to the summit, where we found one of the most neglected and lonely burial places in all Indiana. A tangle undergrowth of brier, shrub and tree, with here and there a headstone, half buried, half revealed in the sandy soil, indicated the nature of the place. An iron fence [1916] surrounding the grave of Johnny Apppleseed gave information that it had been placed there by the Horticultural society of Indiana. This, and nothing more. That is has not ocurred to someone to see that the grave was surrounded by apple trees and made an outstanding historical feature of the landscape, is an instance of the neglect with which we have treated so many historical characters and places. Some day a tardy tribute will be paid by the state of Indiana. It has been said of John Chapman that he loved the undisturbed forest, to listen to birds and to gaze at the stars. If this be true, his last resting place is in harmony with his life. For there nature is undisturbed: the silence is only broken by the songs of birds, and nightly the stars look down upon the lonely grave on the summit of the hill. In the memory of the pilgrims there will always remain the picture of the hillside slope, carpeted with wild strawberries, the stately evergreen lined against the sky, the little iron enclosure, its surroundings of nature, prodigal and unrestrained, and over all, the clear sunshine of a perfect June day.
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Johnny Appleseed Grave marked in Fort Wayne. Clipped from Evening Star, Washington, District of Columbia, 12 October 1925, Monday, page 7. Clipped by ctisch1, 19 Jul 2020. A long two column article in a Washington, D.C. newspaper.
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Johnny Appleseed No Myth; Visited Among Hoosier Pioneers. Clipped from The Indianapolis Star 22 Nov 1936, Sunday, page 70. Clipped by treebaum2001, 01 September 2020. Photo of 99 year old Iven Richey, born June 9, 1837, of Toscin, Wells County in three column article describes meeting Johnny Appleseed in Indiana before he was 8 years old when Johnny often visited their house. Also remembers hunting bears and wildcats, seeing 40 deer at a time, and hearing about buffaloes in Indiana, but never saw them himself. Also describes everyone drinking whiskey including preachers, but no one got drunk.
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Famous Johnny Appleseed Spent Last Days Near Fort Wayne with photos. Clipped from Muncie Evening Press17 May 1947, Saturday, page 14. Clipped by RonaldChard1960, 24 Mar 2017. Full page article with photos. Top left captioned: Mrs. Wanda Tilden, reference reference librarian at the main library in Fort Wayne, brings out even more information on Johnny Appleseed than is already accumlated on the table. The library under the direction of Albert Diserens, has built an extensive Indiana collection of history and data and boasts one of the largest of collections on Johnny Appleseed lore. The top center photo is captioned: Robert C. Harris, retired Fort Wayne school principal and inventor, is secretary of the Johnny Appleseed Memorial Commission which is fostering Fort Wayne's civic interest in the patron saint of American orchards. He is shown standing at the head of Johnny Appleseed's grave a few hundred feet off Parnell Ave. ouside the Fort Wayne city limits.Top right photo captioned Apple trees in bloom just a stones throw from Johnny Appleseed's grave. Just in back of the tree on the left is an old and knarled tree reputed to have been planted by Johnny Appleseed himself. The center photo caption of the young boy: Young Frank Boley III isn't a bit interested in apple blossoms in the orchard of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Boley II, 3636 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. All young Frank wants are some apples. There are apple orchards and apple trees all over the city of Fort Wayne and the surrounding countryside. Future plans of the Johnny Appleseed Memorial Commission of Fort Wayne are aimed at establishing an orchard near his grave in which every variety of apple grown in the United States will be included.
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Johnny Appleseed Bones May Receive Reinternment Clipped from The Florala News 02 Jun 1949, Thursday, page 2. Clipped by cateschapman, 19 Aug 2019.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. -- Reports that the grave of Johnny Appleseed in Fort Wayne, Ind., has fallen into neglect inspired a movement to have the remains of the fabulous orchard planter brought back to Springfield.
Appleseed--his real name was John Chapman--generally is believed to have been born in Springfield. His cross-country sowing of appleseeds won him his better-known name.
A chamber of commerce campaign to transfer Chapman's remains was joined by Mayor Daniel. B. Bunton.
We'd be glad to have him rest here, said the Mayor, in the heart of Johnny Appleseed Park.
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Ceremonies Held Today at Grave of Johnny Appleseed. Clipped from The Commercial-Mail Columbia City, Indiana. 25 September 1959, Friday, page 6. Clipped by totemtracers, 22 September 2020.
Ceremonies were held at 4:30 p.m. today north of Fort Wayne at the grave of Johnny Appleseed.
These were to commemorate the 185th birthday of the wilderness tree planter, which will occur Saturday.
Principals taking part in the ceremony include Robert C. Harris, retired Fort Wayne school principal, who laid a wreath on the Appleseed grave: Richard W. Haupt, curator of the Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society's musem, and John Kruckenberg, Fort Wayne Lawyer and chairman of the correlating committe of the historical society.
Johnny Appleseed had collateral descendants in Whitley county. They are members of the Leininger family.
The local Appleseed kinfolk are great great grand nephews and nieces. Johnny Appleseed's sister, Persis Chapman Broom, was the first wife of J. George Leininger, father of the late John C. and Jules B. Leininger.
The great great grand nephews and nieces in the central states include Mrs. Viola Eisaman, Fort Wayne; Miss Elizabeth and Joseph Leininger, Columbia City; Mrs. Frances Newman, Ashtabula, O; Mrs. Bonita Lockwood, Hastings, Mich.; Mrs. Irene Schulz of McHenry, Ill.; Clarence Leininger of Columbia City.
One generation farther removed are Mrs. Harland Ramsey, West Van Buren street, her brothers Phil Leininger of Sidney and James of Chicago; Mrs. Vernon Johnson, R 6; Mrs Homer Pulley, Hanna street; George Leininger, Churubusco and Henry, living in Colorado, also Mrs. Eldridge Brockup, Swihart street; Dr. Elmer Leininger's children, all Chicagoans, John, William and Miss Eleanor Leininger; Phil Leininger of Wood River, Ill.; Mrs. Virginia Newman Creveling, Euclid, O.; Richard Newman, Prescott, Ariz.
The noted seed planter was a native of Massachusetts. While scattering apple seeds throughout the midwest wilderness, he spread the religion of the Swedenborgian faith. He died near Fort Wayne in 1847.
In connection with the anniversary celebration, 1,000 apples will be given away to the first 1,000 visitors at the Hoosier Heritage Exhibit Saturday and Sunday at the Fort Wayne Historical Society's museum in the Swinney Homestead. A special exhibit of Johnny Appleseed items will be featured in the display.