All About Abe Martin

Abe Martin is Brown County’s own country philosopher and cartoon character, created by cartoonist and author, Frank McKinney “Kin” Hubbard. Abe was introduced to the Midwest in the Indianapolis News, on December 17, 1904. Brown County, Indiana, became Abe’s home in February, 1905. His “neighbors” were the familiar characters in these rural surroundings. Abe offered straight-talking, honest, home-spun wit and wisdom. They visited and joked about the social affairs of Brown County.

In early poses, Abe appears with prominent chin whiskers, a pipe, and a round bowler hat. Before arriving in Brown County he appeared as a slouched but shrewd and observant character. After the move, he appeared more dressed up, a little younger and wiser. Later Abe wears a bow tie and a hat with a dented crown. He often is shown holding his hand to his chin, deep in thought.

Abe was dressed in either checked or striped pants, large work boots and a short jacket. Sometimes the jacket appeared to have tails in back. Vene Schrock, pictured at left, was a Brown County native. The photograph was taken circa 1920, and it shows us how Vene interpreted Abe Martin’s costume. This wooden Abe Martin style boot was carved by Buddy Thompson who had a shop in Nashville, circa 1950.