John Abernathy, famously known as the “Wolf Catcher” and “Catch ’Em Alive Jack,” was a remarkable figure of the American Old West, renowned for his extraordinary ability to capture wolves bare-handed. Beyond his unique frontier skill, John Abernathy also served as the youngest and last U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Oklahoma Territory from 1906 to 1910, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s history.
Born John Reeves Abernathy on January 28, 1876, in Bosque County, Texas, he was the youngest of five children to Martin Van Buren Abernathy and Kittie Williams Thompson Abernathy. His father was a Confederate Army veteran who saw action in the Vicksburg and Atlanta campaigns, while his mother was a widow who brought six children from a previous marriage into the family. This upbringing amidst the rugged aftermath of the Civil War undoubtedly shaped his resilient character.
Early Life and Formative Experiences in the West
In 1882, the Abernathy family relocated to Nolan County, Texas, venturing into the burgeoning cattle business. Young John, more commonly called “Jack,” grew up in the spirited railroad town of Sweetwater, Texas. His early life was anything but ordinary; he began playing the piano at a tender age and, at just six years old, worked in a saloon as a pianist. It was during this time that he experienced a gun battle, surviving with bullet holes in the piano as a testament to the dangers of the frontier.
By the age of nine, Abernathy was already working as a cowboy for the A-K-X Ranch. He patrolled the vast, fenceless prairies armed with a .38 pistol, a lighter alternative to the heavier .45. His aptitude for cowboy life was evident, and two years later, he participated in a challenging 500-mile cattle drive to market in Englewood, Kansas. By 15, his prowess as a bronc buster earned him the coveted position of “first saddle” on the J-A Ranch, a role that tasked him with breaking the wildest and most untamable horses.
The Birth of “Catch ’Em Alive Jack”
It was also at 15 that John Abernathy discovered his extraordinary ability to capture wolves. In a dramatic encounter, he jammed his hand into the mouth of a large wolf. To his amazement, the wolf was unable to bite down, creating a peculiar stalemate. He remained in this precarious position until another cowboy arrived to help extricate his hand. This unusual incident sparked a lifelong pursuit.
Following this initial encounter, Abernathy honed his unique method, capturing hundreds of wolves single-handedly without ever resorting to killing them. Eager ranchers, plagued by wolf predation, would hire him for $50 per animal, a significant sum at the time. His incredible skill quickly earned him the moniker “Catch ’em Alive Jack,” a name that perfectly encapsulated his daring and humane approach to wildlife management.
A Growing Reputation and Family Life
Abernathy’s reputation as the Wolf Catcher grew steadily. He captured over a thousand wolves in his lifetime, selling them to various establishments such as parks, zoos, traveling shows, and even firms seeking breeding stock. He also leveraged his skills in public spectacles, demonstrating his ability to subdue coyotes and large wolves by repeatedly placing his hand in their mouths before captivated audiences.
On a more personal note, at 18, John met Jessie Pearl Jordan, a music teacher, and they fell deeply in love. Despite her parents’ disapproval of the match, the couple eloped on March 10, 1894, embarking on a life together that would eventually see them raise six children. Sadly, Jessie Pearl passed away in 1907, shortly after giving birth to their sixth child, Pearlie Mae, leaving Jack to care for their young family.
Friendship with President Theodore Roosevelt
Abernathy’s unique talents did not go unnoticed by the highest echelons of American society. On Christmas Day 1904, while entertaining crowds at Lyon’s Park in Texas, he caught the attention of Cecil Lyon, the park’s owner and a prominent Republican. Lyon was so impressed that he informed President Theodore Roosevelt about the extraordinary “bare-handed wolfer.”
The following spring, President Roosevelt, accompanied by a distinguished group of ranchers, Rough Riders, bankers, and other notable figures, gathered at Big Pasture, Oklahoma, for a special hunt with Abernathy. Witnessing Abernathy’s incredible feats firsthand, Roosevelt declared, “This beats anything I have ever seen in my life, and I have seen a good deal!” This encounter marked the beginning of a profound friendship between the two men. For the next 14 years, Jack Abernathy performed for President Roosevelt, traveling to Washington D.C. and New York to dine with the president and entertain him with vivid Western displays and captivating tales. Through Roosevelt, Abernathy was introduced to many of the era’s most famous personalities, including Mark Twain, Jack London, O’Henry, Frederick Remington, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Andrew Carnegie, a testament to his unique appeal and character.
U.S. Marshal and Later Years
In 1906, recognizing his courage, integrity, and deep understanding of the frontier, President Roosevelt appointed Abernathy as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Oklahoma Territory. At the time of his appointment, he was the youngest U.S. Marshal in the history of the district, a remarkable achievement for a man who had spent his youth busting broncs and catching wolves. Jack moved his family to Guthrie, Oklahoma, which would become the state capitol in 1907, to fulfill his new duties.
He served with distinction as a U.S. Marshal until 1910. After his tenure, John Abernathy moved his family to the Wichita Falls, Texas, area during the region’s oil boom, where he successfully transitioned into the demanding world of wildcatting. Later in his life, he continued his commitment to public service by serving as a judge. In 1936, he chronicled his incredible life story in his autobiography, The Life and Adventures of an American Pioneer, offering a rare glimpse into the adventures and challenges of the Old West through the eyes of one of its most colorful characters. John Abernathy passed away on January 11, 1941, and was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Conclusion: A True American Pioneer
John “Jack” R. Abernathy was a true embodiment of the American frontier spirit. From his early days as a child pianist and cowboy to his legendary status as the “Wolf Catcher” and his impactful service as a U.S. Marshal, his life was a tapestry of extraordinary experiences. His unique ability to capture wolves bare-handed not only earned him widespread fame but also the admiration of a sitting president, cementing his place in history as a remarkable individual. Abernathy’s story is a compelling reminder of the resourcefulness, courage, and adventurous spirit that defined the Old West, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and fascinate.
