A few excerpts about the man who found and propagated the Chenango Strawberry apple. I like his speech he gave to children to plant a tree.
From History of Madison County, state of New York - Chapter 11. (From a history of Madison County, Ch 11 “Lebanon”)
JOHN W. BULKLEY was one of the early distinguished men of Madison County. His native place was Colchester, Conn. he came into this country about 1797, as a Surveyor, and in that capacity was an expert. He was emphatically a practical man, and sought to correct many errors that had found place in the mind of the plodding settler. He desired the elevation of the people and labored for the education of the masses.
He was a man who immediately gave confidence in his abilities, and soon after his settlement here he was made Justice of the Peace. In 1801, he was one of the members of the Convention for revising the Constitution of his State, being, with Stephen Hoxie, delegate from Chenango County. In 1808, John W. Bulkley was elected Member of Assembly from Madison County, and was returned to that office by his constituents, four consecutive terms. In Legislature his influence was remarkable. It was stated by Judge Knowles, of Chittenango, that there was a time when it was impossible to get a bill through legislature if Squire Bulkley opposed it.
John W. Bulkley was fond of agricultural pursuits. On his farm (known as the "Frank Farm" from being in the care of Jerry Frank, a colored man he brought with him from the south,) he tested many an agricultural theory. Here he originated the famous "Strawberry apple." From a tree he grew from the seed on his Earlville farm, and transplanted to this, he produced, by grafting, the above named apple. It was called the "Bulkley apple," and then the "Chenango Strawberry."
When Mr. Bulkley closed his last term in the Legislature, he carried a bundle of scions from this tree, to Albany, and distributed them among his numerous friends. These being carried home and used by the members from nearly every county, the Strawberry apple became prevalent and popular, simultaneously, in all sections of New York State.
John W. Bulkley was a man of scholarly attainments. He possessed a fine address, and his manner commanded attention and respect. He was personally attractive; every movement evinced a sound physical and a marked mental organization.
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Members of that school in the days long ago, who are yet living, speak of John W. Bulkley, who, when aged and broken, and infirmities physical and mental had dimmed the eye and palsied the hand of this once great man, used frequently to visit the school to note the progress of the pupils; his love for children made many a sunny spot in his life. They remember him leaning his trembling weight upon his staff, tears streaming down his furrowed cheeks as he rises to address the school, and they will give the closing of his impromptu speech, verbatim , as follows:— “I am an old man; the place that knows me now will soon know me no longer. You are children; you have a lifetime before you; even your small hands can do something which will prove a blessing, and for which you shall be remembered. I say to you children, each, plant a tree; and the birds of the heavens will come down and build nests in its branches; and you, and your children, and your children’s children will come and rest in the shade thereof. I say children, plant a tree.” The thoughtless are subdued and tears are on the cheeks of the listeners as the aged man leaves the school room. It is not so much his words which affect them as the impressive voice and manner, the same which once distinguished him as the eloquent member of the House of Representatives.
I think the Chenango Strawberry is a beautiful apple. Great taste when ripe…but horrible and mealy when over ripe.