Carl Abs

Carl Johann Theodor Abs, generally referred to as Carl Abs (September 12, 1851 - February 18, 1895), born in Groß Godems, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, also known as "The German Oak" was one of Germany's most well known professional wrestlers in the 19th century and is considered the founder of modern professional wrestling in Germany. His life and work both inside and outside the ring attracted great public interest in the late 19th century. In 1891 a book about the life of Carl Abs as a championship wrestler and a champion for the poor was published called Carl Abs, der Meisterschafts-Ringer der Welt: Sein Leben u. Wirken ("Carl Abs, the wrestling Champion of the world: his life and work").

Personal life

Carl Johannn Theodor Abs was the son of Carl and Sophie Abs (née Jürgens) in Groß Godems, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. As the son of a Carpenter the younger Carl Abs learned his fathers craft and the intention was for his to succeed him in the business. Showing little interest in school Abs was more interested in farm work and through this discovered a keen interest in the environment. Later in his life his family moved to Hamburg. In Hamburg he began working in a factory in Langenstein. In 1873 he did his military service with the 76th Infantry Regiment. At the time military service was a three-year ordeal, but through devotion to duty and punctuality Abs had his service time shortened by two years. Following his discharge he began working at a wine shop and later became a coach driver. When business turned bad Abs lost his job and returned to Groß Godems, visiting his ill father before his father died. In 1877 he met Maria Augusta Katharina Warncke and married her later that year.