Dr. Elizabeth DeWolfe joins us by phone from Maine to discuss her book Alias Agnes: The Notorious Tale of a Guilded Age Spy with David. Alias Agnes is a narrative non-fiction exploring the role of Jane Armstrong Tucker, alias Agnes Parker, and her undercover role in the lawsuit brought by Madeleine Pollard against William C. P. Breckinridge. David and Dr. DeWolfe discuss the backgrounds of both women, how they differed, the results of the trial and how they went about their lives when the trial was over.
Alias Agnes details the story of Jane Tucker, who took a job as an undercover detective with a ten-week mission. Her target: Madeleine Pollard, former mistress of Congressman William C. P. Breckinridge, whom she had sued for breach of promise when he failed to marry her. Exploring the intricacies of this trial and a scandal that captivated the nation, author Elizabeth A. DeWolfe demonstrates that a shared lack of power did not always lead to alliances among women. DeWolfe uncovers the strategies women used to make their way in the world, drawing parallels between the previously forgotten and incomplete tales of Tucker, Pollard, and the women who testified in the trial—from formerly enslaved persons, to white socialites, to single government clerks, to divorced physicians.
Alias Agnes is available for checkout from the library, and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.
Tales from the Kentucky Room is hosted by David Bryant and produced by Erin West.
David is the Manager of Central Library, and has worked many years in the Kentucky Room. After several guest host spots, David moved to full time host of Tales from the Kentucky Room in 2025. Local History and Genealogy are passions of his, and he's excited to share them with our audience.
Erin is the Virtual Services Librarian. She's worked for Lexington Public Library since 2003 and began her work with audio editing in 2012 while working at the Northside Branch. Erin enjoys listening to history, true crime and tv show recap podcasts.
