Location
Francis Edward "Ab" Abernethy
Years: 1925–2015 | Role: Folklorist | County: Nacogdoches
Topics
Description
“Ab” Abernethy was born in Altus, Oklahoma, and grew up near Palestine and in Nacogdoches, where he went on to study and teach English at Stephen F. Austin State University until his retirement in 1997. He is remembered as a Texas folklorist and musician, and also for his contributions to protecting the places that created the culture that he so appreciated.
Towards that, he is celebrated for his establishment of the LaNana Creek Trail and Banita Creek Trail in Nacogdoches, beginning in the late 1970s. He also put great energy into recognizing and preserving the Neches River, as described in the book (with photographer Adrian van Dellen) Let the River Run Wild! (2014).
Although perhaps lesser known, his caving adventures in Mexico and Belize, including expeditions to Xilitla (1960) and the Sierra de El Abra (1968-69), also demonstrate Abernethy’s deep interest in exploring and appreciating the natural world. Please see his book, Caving with Mitch (published posthumously, 2022).
Location Notes
A marker at Pecan Acres Park, a prominent part of the LaNana Creek Trail, would recognize Dr. Abernethy's love of this stream corridor, and his effort to protect and promote it. A marker such as this in Nacogdoches would also recognize Mr. Abernethy's many ties to the town where he spent his childhood, education, teaching and retirement years.