In my latest book, my little town of Fiddler’s Gap has been hankering for Wells Fargo to visit their tiny hamlet to see if Wells Fargo would set up a branch there. After all, when the frontier was as unpredictable as the weather, a lot of people entrusted their hard-earned money and valuables to Wells Fargo—a company that quickly earned a reputation for rigorous security. Stagecoaches, the workhorses of the time, weren’t just a means of transportation; they were mobile vaults carrying gold, silver, and other treasures safely from town to town. Problem for my little town was, the nearest bank was eight miles away, and it was darn inconvenient to have to try to make it to the next town, (especially in winter) to take care of one’s money. But as the railroad was finally coming to Fiddler’s Gap, the townsfolk figured they’d give it a shot!
They knew Wells Fargo didn’t take any chances. Valuable shipments were packed in robust wooden boxes, often stowed away in the front boot of a stagecoach or secured within an iron safe. Yet, despite these heavy-duty precautions, the allure of treasure was too great for outlaws. Robbery attempts were a common hazard on the dusty trails of the American West, and it was no different in Oregon for my little town of Fiddler’s Gap.
To counter this, the company introduced a clever two-pronged security strategy. First, armed messengers were assigned to
“ride shotgun” alongside the drivers, providing a visible deterrent against would-be robbers. Second, in the aftermath of a heist, a dedicated force of special agents sprang into action. And I’ve got two that come to Fiddler’s Gap.
These special agents were the unsung heroes of the Wells Fargo story. Though they didn’t hold official arrest powers, their knack for piecing together clues and tracking criminals set them apart. Their work involved more than just chasing down bandits—they collaborated with local law enforcement, organized pursuits, and even printed reward posters. A standard reward package typically included $250 and a quarter of any treasure recovered, a generous incentive that underscored the company’s commitment to justice.
Notable figures like James B. Hume and John N. Thacker became synonymous with this relentless pursuit. They honed their skills to such a degree that Hume even maintained a “mugbook”—a collection of photos and detailed descriptions of known outlaws—to aid in identifying repeat offenders.
One standout case from 1871 illustrates the ingenuity of Wells Fargo’s investigative force. After a stagecoach was ambushed between Marysville and Downieville, California, Hume arrived at the scene and immediately observed something others might have overlooked: two distinct sets of boot tracks. By carefully measuring these tracks and noting the unique impressions made by boot nails in the dust, Hume gathered crucial evidence. That’s some pretty spiffy early detective work!
At trial, his findings made a compelling case. A pair of boots matching one set of tracks was linked to suspect George Rugg—a known bandit who had previously evaded harsh penalties by turning informer on his accomplices. This time, however, Rugg and his partner Ephraim White faced conviction, their mugshots forever adding to Hume’s infamous collection.
Then in 1885, Hume and Thacker further cemented their legacy by publishing the “Robbers Record.” Their report cataloged 347 robberies and attempted heists on Wells Fargo shipments—both by stagecoach and train—spanning from 1870 to 1884. It even included comprehensive descriptions of 205 convicted robbers, serving as a vital tool for law enforcement across the West. Thanks to this meticulous documentation and relentless investigation, the conviction rate for stage and train bandits soared to an impressive 70 percent during that era.
While the days of stagecoach bandits and dusty trails are gone, the spirit of vigilance and security that defined Wells Fargo’s early years endures today. That and they make for some great story telling! Have you ever read any books involving special agents from say Wells Fargo, or even Pinkerton agents? I know authors have used both in stories. I’m giving away one free ebook copy of Miss Clementine, The Brides of Fiddler’s Gap, Book 11. Here’s a little more about the book:
Imagine Captain Stanley Finbar Merriweather’s surprise when in one day he finds out that he not only has a grandniece who’s on her way to live with him, but a son! Imagine Clementine Potts’ surprise when she finds out her grand uncle wants to whisk her off to some nothing of a town called Fiddler’s Gap to see her wed! But Fiddler’s Gap has more than a few bachelors available, it is also the home of her Great Uncle Stanley’s son.
Tensions are high when Great Uncle Stanley insists he travel incognito. For all he knows, his son Ives would be better off not knowing him. But a man of his word, he’s also determined to find Clementine a husband, even if it is in the same town where his son lives. But can he hold out long enough to see the job done? Can she? Add a couple of suspicious townspeople, not to mention Wells Fargo agents, and poor Stanley and Clementine have their hands full trying to keep up their ruse! But worst of all, what if Hansen Merlot, the young man Clementine is falling for finds out? Will everything fall apart?
USA Today bestselling author Kit Morgan is the author of over 180 books of historical and contemporary western romance! Her stories are fun, sweet stories full of love, laughter, and just a little bit of mayhem! Kit creates her stories in her little log cabin in the woods in the Pacific Northwest. An avid reader and knitter, when not writing, she can be found with either a book or a pair of knitting needles in her hands! Oh, and the occasional smidge of chocolate!
Sounds intriguing. But I will admit when anyone says Wells Fargo, I hear Ron Howard in Music Man singing..oh ho the Wells Fargo wagon is a comin down the street……
LOL!!! Now I’m going to have to re-watch that movie, Kate!
Fidler Gap, we lived for years in the Gold Area. Down the hill from Marshall’s Gold Field, across the county from Ione County. Took the kids to tour all the Gold discovery sites.
I’ve read several books on the Gold discovery time as well as a book, title escapes me, about Mr. Pinkerton and the start of his Pinkerton Men. Truly enjoyable.
Actually, I think I have that book, Deb!
I read books that had Pinkerton agents in them as the main character. It lends the book a slight mystery setting. Your book sounds interesting.
Using Pinkerton agents in a story is fun. They have such fascinating history, Karijean.
intriguing
Indeed!
There is the Pinkerton Matchmakers series. I have enjoyed some of the books, but I admit. I’m not a fan of a couple needing to marry to be able to work together on a case as Pinkerton agents.
I’ve read some of the books in that series, Janice, but not all.
I have read a few books with the Pinkerton and the Wells Fargo agents over the years and really enjoyed them.
Margaret Brownley, who was one of the fillies here in Petticoats and Pistols at one time, had a three book series about lady Pinkerton agents that was great. The series was called Undercover Ladies.
I can’t remember any books with special agents, but I really enjoyed The Pinkertons TV series from 2014.
You know I’ve never watched that series, Kim. I’ll have to check it out.
I have read several books with Pinkerton agents, some good and some not so good. I have enjoyed all the Fiddlers Gap books.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the Fiddler’s Gap book, Elaine. And I, too, have read book with Pinkerton agents, and like you say, some good and some not so good.
I have read several books that included either Wells Fargo employees or Pinkerton agents
They’re fun characters to work with as you can do a lot with them, Rhonda.
I’ve read books with Pinkertons. Not sure about Wells Fargo. I do remember singing the song in elementary school.
(My middle son is a financial analyst with WF.)
I have an editor friend who also works for WF, Denise. He handle’s estates.
I teased my son and asked him if they start the day singing the song. He was neither amused nor familiar with it, so I sang it to him. lol
I think I remember reading were The Pinkerton
Agency was the beginning of the Secret Service-they were commissioned to be bodyguards for the President (don’t remember which one).
Your book sounds interesting
President Lincoln started the Pinkertons as I recall, during the civil war.
I’ve read quite a few books with Pinkerton agents, but none with Wells Fargo agents. I have watched the Tales of Wells Fargo on GRIT.
There’s a show?! Oh, I’m going to have to check that out!
Oh but this is some interesting information. Thanks so much for sharing. Thank you for giving away this book. It looks fabulous.
Yes, this was a very interesting topic to research!
Sounds very interesting!
Yeah, I had no idea these agents did what they did when I started out on my research journey!
I was always intrigued when a Pinkerton agent showed up in those old black and white movies. They all seemed to be tall guys all dressed in black. Geez, the things you remember from your childhood. LOL
LOL! I’ll have to do a search for movies with Pinkerton agents in them, Jackie!
This sounds pretty interesting! Thank you for the giveaway!
You’re welcome, Bridgette. It was an interesting topic to research.
Sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity
Yeah, it was a lot of fun reading up on what the Wells Fargo agents actually did.
Good morning Kit, this is so very interesting, Thank you for sharing about it. Your book sounds like a great read. (not entering this ebook giveaway as I am not tech savvy so I dont read ebooks at al, but thank you. ) Have a great day and a great week.
It is interesting, Alicia. Makes me want to create more characters that are Pinkerton’s or Wells Fargo agents.
Thanks for the information on Wells Fargo. I have had a few robberies in my stories but never used Wells Fargo. I have had Pinkertons, though.
I love reading these type of stories with the Pinkerton and Wells Fargo agents.
WOW that’s some history lesson! I never knew all that. Thanks for sharing it all.
Your book sounds great. A TBR lister for sure!
I know I’ve read historical fiction that involved Pinkerton agents but of course no titles are springing to mind. Your book sounds interesting. And I’m glad not to live while robbers were preying on Wells Fargo (but have experienced ne’er do well hackers, who could possibly be considered the modern equivalent).
Thanks for a really interesting post.
I enjoy books featuring this. I enjoyed your blog
I have read books with Pinkerton agents but never Wells Fargo agent. I look forward to reading your book,
This was so interesting. I have read a number of books with Pinkerton agents in them but none with Wells Fargo agents. It amazes me the research you authors do before writing your books. I love that. Thank you so much for all your time, hard work and great books.
Interesting picture of the stagecoach in your post. I have never seen one like this with areas to store luggage on top. It is a handy design that would hold small carpet bags, etc. securely.
I was not aware that Wells Fargo had their own investigators. It would be a good idea for them considering the value of their cargo. Having their own investigators allowed them to focus their attention only on incidents that only affected them. What busy marshal or sheriff wouldn’t appreciate a case handed to them where the leg work was all done and all they had to do was make the arrests.
This book sounds like it has some rather complicated and interesting family dynamics involved. It should be an interesting and enjoyable read.
Thank you for an interesting post.
Enjoyed. I love Western movies and books.