Jack Abernathy, The Man Who Made A Living Punching Wolves In The Mouth
One man made a successful career based on his unusual method for subduing and capturing wild wolves alive
Every time you think you’ve heard the wildest way a person makes a living, something else comes along that takes the cake. That being said, try topping Jack “Catch ’Em Alive” Abernathy, a slight man from the turn of the 20th century prairies who supported himself and his family by capturing wild wolves alive by punching them in the mouth.
Abernathy was born in Texas in 1876. A precocious child, his first real job was playing piano in a saloon when he was just 6. He and his brothers were all musical and enjoyed performing in the bar until a gunfight broke out there one day. Although they were all unhurt, their mother no longer allowed them to return.
Since his family struggled to make ends meet, it was imperative that Jack continue to pitch in despite his tender age. He took another job when he was nine as a cowboy. Within two years, he was a full-fledged ranch hand, going on 500-mile cattle drives just like he was an adult.
Hard work and resiliency were all part of Abernathy’s life, and he was still just a youngster of 15 when he discovered the talent on which he would build…
