john "johnny appleseed" chapman (september 26, 1774 - march 11, 1847) is an american folk hero. he was a christian missionary and pioneer. his nickname came from the fact that he planted apple trees throughout the american midwest. many people consider him an early conservationist or "tree-hugger". he wandered the country, usually barefoot, and with a cooking pot on his head for most of his adult life, planting apple trees, teaching the bible, telling stories, and befriending native americans, wild animals, and other settlers. many stories have been told about him and his journeys, as well as art, books, and later movies, which makes him a folk hero. he was born in leominster, massachusetts and is buried in johnny appleseed park in fort wayne, indiana.