Alias Agnes: The Notorious Tale of a Gilded Age Spy

by Elizabeth A. DeWolfe

Jane Armstrong Tucker was a Boston stenographer scrabbling to get by as a single woman in the Gilded Age, until she was offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Madeleine Pollard used charisma to work her way from impoverished Kentucky roots to the parlors of Washington, DC's elite. While Tucker hid behind an alias—Agnes Parker—and moved to DC, Pollard had a secret, too.

Alias Agnes details the story of Jane Tucker, who became an undercover detective for ten weeks to achieve financial security. Her Madeliene Pollard, former mistress of US Congressman William CP Breckinridge who had sued her lover for failing to marry her. Exploring the intricacies of this breach of promise trial and sex scandal that captivated the nation, author Elizabeth A. DeWolfe demonstrates how a shared lack of power did not always create female allies. DeWolfe uncovers the strategies women used to make their way in the world, paralleling the previously forgotten and incomplete tales of Tucker, Pollard, and the women who testified in the trial—from those formerly enslaved, to white socialites, to single government clerks, and divorced physicians.

Written in engaging prose and daring acts of detective fiction, Alias Agnes chronicles the lives of women at the cusp of the twentieth century—the opportunities that beckoned and the challenges that thwarted them.

Genres: History

362 pages, Paperback

Published March 25, 2025

Reviews

[Amber Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alias Agnes: The Notorious Tale of a Gilded Age Spy by Elizabeth A. DeWolfe is an extremely accessible historical nonfiction book. DeWolfe has written the text to feel like a novel. As I was reading, I got sucked into the story. The details and care DeWolfe took while writing, really make it feel like she was there. The book contains scandal, courtroom drama, and insight into the daily lives of women in the late 1800s. The book was well researched, well written, and obviously well loved.

[Jobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1893 Madeleine Pollard sues Congressman Breckenridge of KY for breach of marriage contract after their 9 year affair. Painted as a social climber, it is Madeleine's alleged promiscuity, not the congressman's deplorable behavior, that are on trial. Enter Jane Tucker alias Agnes Parker, a career-minded single woman, who befriends poor Madeleine in the boarding house to find out the true story.

Alias Agnes reads like a work of fiction and is overall, well researched and excellently written. My big disappointement is that Jane does less "spying" in a traditional sense (coded ciphers or eavesdropping in public spaces) and more direct relaying of information freely given among "friends." I am delighted to have been introduced to these historical characters.

[Dianne Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, both for reading about the lives of Gilded Age women and for the parallels to the 21st century (i.e. rich and powerful men believed they could do whatever they wanted with women and not face consequences), though at times the names and details of the Madeleine Pollard trial became a bit tedious. Both Madeleine and Agnes (Jane Tucker) were interesting women who would be interesting to have as friends today. Looking forward to visiting Tucker Castle in Wiscasset, Maine next summer!

[Anika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched account of real life women from the gilded age. Jane Tucker is a spy focused on Madeleine Pollard, who was the mistress of a Kentucky Congressman who led her on promising marriage and then discarded her, ruining her reputation. This was an interesting and engaging book. I learned about it when Mom and I visited the Tucker Castle in Wiscassett on our trip to Maine.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history behind this book is fascinating: Two women who hoped to break out of the dull lives laid out for them in the late 19th century go two very different ways. As the author says, their similar goals didn't translate into female solidarity. I found the writing a litlte disorganized at times, but that might just have been my addled brain. It's a good read.

[Elle Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is well-researched, bringing an unfolding drama of secrecy to the forefront. While near-sorrowful at times, I was soon moved onward to root for Agnes and to follow along in her captivating adventures. Compelling story of rich historical value, perfect for those who like legal thrillers of yesteryear days and perfect for those who, like me, love women’s history.

[Susan Stonesifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book! Washington, DC history? Check! Women's place in society? Check! Enthralling trial? Check! An undercover woman spy? Check! Many familiar names in US and DC history! Highly recommend

[Jean Mehochko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting book about a little-remembered breach of promise court case, focusing on the plaintiff Madeleine Pollard and Jane Tucker, the woman retained by the defense to befriend and spy on Pollard.

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating study of what it meant to be a woman without gild or status during the Gilded Age. In this case it meant keeping secrets, making false friendships, and not letting go of ambitions and dreams of security and respect.

[Patricia O’Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really engaging book that reds like fiction, despite it being a true story. Obviously well researched. I found it difficult to follow at times but perhaps me reading too quickly to get to the next turn of events. Definitely enjoyed it.

[Kathleen Langone · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engrossing true story of two women on a collision course during the Gilded Age. Reads more like a novel and I read it in one day.