He was known for his folksy and sentimental poetry, often featuring themes of rural life, nature, and the everyday experiences of ordinary people in the Midwest, particularly in Indiana.
His works, filled with dialect and humor, resonated deeply with Hoosiers and helped solidify his status as a beloved regional figure. Some of his most famous poems include "When the Frost is on the Punkin," "Little Orphant Annie," and "The Raggedy Man."