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Sept. 26 may be known to some as Johnny Appleseed Day, in honor of the American legend’s birthday, Sept. 26, 1774. Born in Leominster, Mass., as John Chapman, Appleseed travelled the land barefoot, preaching the Gospel, storytelling and of course planting apple trees. He was a vegetarian and conservationist, teaching people he met how to grow and maintain their own apple trees. Johnny Appleseed is honored annually at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Fort Wayne, Ind., which takes place mid-September.
Also on this Day:
1789: First Secretary of State Appointed
Before serving as the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson was appointed as the first U.S. Secretary of State under President George Washington.
1960: First Nationally Televised Presidential Debate
Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy and Republican Vice President Richard Nixon participate in the first nationally televised debate, held at WBMM-TV in Chicago (Channel 2). Kennedy’s campaign gained momentum after the debate, and he went on to win the election.
1997: Earthquake Rattles Italy
An earthquake in Italy damages parts of the 700-year-old church in Assisi where St. Francis is buried.
Famous Birthdays:
1888 T.S. Eliot
1897 Pope Paul VI
1914 Jack LaLane
1936 Winnie Mandela
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