"Better Known as Johnny Appleseed" by Mabel Leigh Hunt, Indiana author, is perhaps the definitive book on the life of John Chapman. Chapman was Massachusetts born, and evidently received early training in orchard tree growing. But his story is of moving west, following the flowing rivers, planting apple orchards along the way. He was admired by all that met him, even though he looked like a beggar. Even the Indians of the time, gave him no harm, because he traveled unarmed, killed no animals, and was believed to be blessed by all gods.

John, becoming Appleseed John, then eventually admiringly Johnny Appleseed, moved through many states traveling west, but spent the primary portion of his life working the ground, planting orchard after apple orchard in Ohio and Indiana. He traveled ahead of the pioneer settlers so they would have a food supply upon arrival. Payment for Johnny's work was optional because he did it as a self-sent missionary of the church, for the good of all mankind, including his Indian friends.

This wilderness traveler/vagabond spread his Swedenborgian religion (through tracts), his Bible knowledge, his gift of storytelling, his knowledge of nature, and his zest for life as freely as his apple seeds. He was a pioneer leader never to be duplicated, and never forgotten.