More than 150 years after his death, Johnny Appleseed was alive and well in Lawrence County Saturday.

It doesn't matter that Johnny Appleseed was born in Massachusetts, as far as Pastor Ed Myers is concerned he is a part of Ohio's history.

Myers volunteered his time to portray Appleseed and tell his tale to children Saturday at the Lawrence County

Historical Museum

where the kitchen is decorated with a Johnny Appleseed theme.

Many people think that Johnny Appleseed was fictional character, but he was actually a real person. Appleseed, whose real name was John Chapman, was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, on Sept. 26, 1774, but the folk hero lived much of his life in Ohio before dying in 1845.

Appleseed earned his name because he was a skilled nurseryman who grew apple trees and supplied apple seeds to the pioneers.

He owned many nurseries in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana.

Because of his love of history and background as a storyteller, Myers said he jumped at the chance to bring Appleseed's story to life.

"It seems like a lot of kids have lost the significance of their past heritage. Johnny Appleseed was an Ohio boy even though he was born in Massachusetts," he said. "He is one of those larger than life characters that they should know about."

Museum President Naomi Deer said that having people like Myers help out means a lot to the organization that is made up completely of volunteers.

"It is a great help. This year we have been having a lot more programs for children," she said. "We are drawing the children in and getting them acquainted with the museum as well as giving them entertainment."

Although he may be new to this part of Ohio, Myers, pastor at the Coal Grove Church of the Nazarene, has worked with other historical societies in the state and has told Appleseed's tale to children in Noble County for years. His volunteer work is not limited to his storytelling as much of his time within the community by helping senior citizens and more.

"The important things in our society would fall apart if it wasn't for volunteers," he said. "There are just so many things that would be lost if it wasn't for volunteers."