History

Steeped in Tradition
In the early 19th century, John Chapman, or "Johnny Appleseed," wandered the Ohio countryside, sowing apple seeds and securing a place in American legend.

It was from the fruit of Johnny Appleseed's trees that Orrville, Ohio resident Jerome Monroe Smucker first pressed cider at a mill he opened in 1897. Later, he also prepared apple butter, which he sold from the back of a horse-drawn wagon. Each crock bore a hand-signed seal as his personal guarantee of quality.

Before long, J.M. Smucker's name became well known in its own right, as residents throughout the region — and eventually the nation — came to associate the Smucker's name with wholesome, high-quality fruit products. Much like Johnny Appleseed's trees, The J.M. Smucker Company has strong roots that have allowed it to grow and prosper over the last 100 years. Today, our products can be found in homes and restaurants throughout the world.

The Family Name
The Smucker family name has actually undergone some changes throughout its history. Christian Schmucker carried the traditional family name when he brought his family over from Switzerland to the United States in 1752. His son, David, shortened the name to Smoker. David's son, Gideon, in turn changed the name to Smucker because he and his wife felt it was more in keeping with their strong conservative beliefs. Gideon had eight children, one of whom was Jerome Monroe Smucker, the founder of The J.M. Smucker Company.

From the time when J.M. Smucker signed each and every crock of product he sold until today, the Smucker name has been a part of our packaging. It is a guarantee of quality that spans four generations of Smuckers.