Burrow Gang – Robbing Trains in the South
The late 19th century American South and Southwest, a landscape etched with burgeoning railways and the echoes of the recently concluded Civil War, became the backdrop for a surge in outlaw activity. Among the most notorious figures to emerge from this era were the members of the Burrow Gang, a band of train robbers who carved a path of infamy across the region in the 1880s. Their daring heists and relentless pursuit by law enforcement cemented their place in the annals of American outlaw history. This article delves into the rise and fall of the Burrow Gang, exploring the motivations, methods, and ultimate fates of its key players.
The genesis of the Burrow Gang can be traced back to the economic hardships faced by many Southerners in the post-Reconstruction era. Agriculture, the lifeblood of the region, was often precarious, leaving families vulnerable to financial ruin. It was against this backdrop of economic uncertainty that Reuben "Rube" Burrow, along with his brother Jim, turned to a life of crime.
The brothers’ first foray into train robbery occurred on December 1, 1886, in Bellevue, Texas. Rube, whose crops had failed, saw train robbery as a desperate measure to recoup his losses. The initial haul was meager, netting them only a few hundred dollars. However, this taste of illicit gain proved to be a turning point. The Burrows, recognizing the potential for larger scores, decided to form a more organized gang.
The core of the Burrow Gang consisted of a motley crew of individuals, each with their own reasons for embracing a life outside the law. Joining the Burrows were the hard-case brothers William L. Brock and Leonard Brock, known for their ruthlessness and penchant for violence. Henderson Brumley, a man shrouded in mystery, also joined their ranks, bringing his own set of skills and connections to the group. Completing the initial roster was Nep Thornton, a young and eager accomplice, drawn to the allure of easy money and the thrill of the chase.
With their gang assembled, the Burrows embarked on a series of increasingly audacious train robberies. Their methods were characterized by careful planning, meticulous execution, and a willingness to use force when necessary. They typically targeted trains carrying large sums of cash or valuables, often choosing remote locations where escape was easier. Their tactics usually involved ambushing the train, overpowering the guards, and looting the cargo.
As the Burrow Gang‘s reputation grew, so did the pressure from law enforcement. By early 1888, they had become the most infamous train robbers since the legendary Jesse James, attracting the attention of hundreds of lawmen, including the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. The Pinkertons, renowned for their relentless pursuit of outlaws, were determined to bring the Burrows to justice, launching a massive manhunt that spanned across the South and Southwest.
The year 1888 marked a turning point for the Burrow Gang, as the long arm of the law began to close in. Jim Burrow’s arrest in Nashville, Tennessee, signaled the beginning of the gang’s downfall. Jim and Rube were recognized by a sharp-eyed conductor, who quickly alerted the authorities. Lawmen trapped the brothers in a passenger car, resulting in a dramatic shootout. Rube managed to shoot his way to freedom, but Jim was captured and imprisoned in Texarkana. Tragically, Jim succumbed to tuberculosis while in prison, passing away on October 5, 1888.
Despite the loss of his brother and the growing pressure from law enforcement, Rube Burrow remained determined to continue his outlaw activities. He reorganized the gang and continued to target trains, demonstrating his resilience and defiance. However, the gang’s luck was running out.
Leonard Brock was apprehended on September 26, 1889, marking another significant blow to the Burrow Gang. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Facing a life behind bars, Brock chose to end his own life, committing suicide on November 10, 1890, by jumping from the fourth tier of the cellblock.
Rube Burrow’s reign as the South’s most notorious train robber came to an end on October 7, 1890, in Linden, Alabama. He was killed in a gunfight with Dixie Carter, a local resident who had assisted law enforcement in tracking him down. With Rube’s death, the Burrow Gang effectively ceased to exist.
The fates of the remaining gang members, William L. Brock, Henderson Brumley, and Nep Thornton, remain largely unknown. Some accounts suggest that they scattered and attempted to blend back into society, while others speculate that they met violent ends, either at the hands of lawmen or rival outlaws. Regardless of their ultimate destinies, their association with the Burrow Gang ensured their place in the history of the American West.
The story of the Burrow Gang serves as a compelling example of the outlaw culture that flourished in the late 19th-century South and Southwest. Their motivations, driven by economic hardship and a desire for a better life, are reflective of the struggles faced by many in the region during that era. Their methods, characterized by daring and ruthlessness, highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order in a vast and often lawless territory.
The Burrow Gang‘s legacy extends beyond their criminal exploits. They have become romanticized figures in popular culture, appearing in books, movies, and television shows. Their story continues to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of train robberies, daring escapes, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The narrative of the Burrow Gang is a stark reminder of the complexities of the American West, where the line between right and wrong was often blurred, and where legends were forged in the crucible of violence and hardship.