Today in Comics History, May 5: Happy birthday, John B. Stetson!

Born on this day in 1830: American hat manufacturer, inventor of the ubiquitous wide-brimmed hat worn by cowboys on the range, in movies and TV, and yes, in comics: John B. Stetson!


from "Billy Brand" in from World's Finest Comics #18 (DC, Summer 1945), creators uncredited and unknownS
Happy Birthday, pardner! I tip my little stuffed ten-fluid-ounce hat to you!



from "Along the Trail" in Tim McCoy (1948 series) #18 (Charlton, February 1949); script, pencils, inks, and letters by Mario DeMarco
It's true! Many a cowboy has been saved by throwing a hat at a bull! We will stop and say "Oh, thank you!" and saunter away, proudly wearing our new hats.





"Don't Touch My Hat" by Lyle Lovett (Curb/MCA, 1996), written by Lyle Lovett
Well, heck, now I'm hungry for Arby's.