Agee, George W. (George Washington)

About the author

George Washington Agee (1846–1909) was an American writer and chronicler of outlaw culture during the latter half of the 19th century. His book Rube Burrow, king of outlaws, and his band of train robbers: An accurate and faithful history of their exploits and adventures stands as a vivid testament to a turbulent period in American history marked by rapid westward expansion, economic changes, and shifting societal norms. Agee’s detailed account captures the audacious heists and narrow escapes of Rube Burrow, weaving in the broader context of railroad development and the social challenges that accompanied it.

While many writers of the era tended toward sensationalism, Agee adopted a careful, journalistic approach, aiming to present the bandits’ lives with authenticity. He gathered eyewitness testimony, newspaper clippings, and court records, culminating in a comprehensive narrative that offers readers a glimpse into the outlaw’s motivations, the lawmen who pursued them, and the rail companies eager to protect their assets. Agee believed that documenting the exploits of outlaws like Rube Burrow provided critical insight into the moral and economic landscape of post–Civil War America.

Through his plainspoken prose, Agee preserved an important chapter of American folklore, one that resonates in modern discussions of vigilantism and frontier justice. Although the era of train robbery has long since passed, his work remains a valuable historical document for enthusiasts of Western lore and students of criminology, underscoring how these high-stakes crimes captured the public imagination. Agee’s commitment to factual detail and broader social analysis ensures that his account transcends mere adventure storytelling, offering a nuanced perspective on the outlaws who both subverted and mirrored the values of their time.