Sontag Brothers – Outlaw Train Robbers
The saga of the Sontag Brothers is a compelling tale of hardship, resentment, and outlawry etched into the annals of the American West. Born and raised in the pastoral landscapes of Mankato, Minnesota, John and George Sontag’s lives took a dramatic turn, leading them down a path of crime and notoriety in the burgeoning state of California. Their story, interwoven with train robberies, relentless pursuit by law enforcement, and a dramatic shootout, cemented their place in the folklore of the era. The story of the Sontag Brothers is one of the many tales of the wild west.
John Sontag entered the world on May 27, 1861, followed by his younger brother George on April 10, 1864. While their early years in Minnesota were seemingly unremarkable, the seeds of discontent and rebellion were sown early in George’s life. At the tender age of 15, he embarked on a path that would ultimately define his future. A youthful indiscretion, stealing cigars from his employer, resulted in his committal to the state reform school in St. Paul. This early brush with the law marked the beginning of a life marred by criminal activity.
Upon his release from the reform school, George sought a fresh start, venturing westward to Nebraska. There, he secured employment as a grocery store clerk, hoping to leave his past behind. However, his propensity for illicit behavior resurfaced when he was caught embezzling money from his employer. This transgression led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment in the Nebraska State Prison. After serving his time, George was released in 1887, carrying the weight of his criminal past.
Meanwhile, John had already embarked on his own journey to California, drawn by the promise of opportunity and a fresh start. In 1878, he settled in Los Angeles and found employment with the railroad. This seemingly ordinary job would prove to be a pivotal point in his life. A severe industrial accident left him with lasting injuries and a simmering resentment towards the railroad company. The Sontag Brothers‘ path to outlawry was about to begin.
Following his recovery, John found work with a farmer named Chris Evans. It was this association that would ultimately lead him down the path of train robbery. United by their shared grievances against the railroad, John and Chris Evans formed an alliance, plotting and executing daring heists against the very company John once worked for. This was the beginning of their outlaw career.
In 1889, George Sontag joined his brother in California, seeking refuge and perhaps a chance at redemption. However, the allure of outlaw life proved too strong, and he soon joined John and Chris Evans in their criminal endeavors. On August 1, 1892, the trio executed a daring train robbery in Fresno, successfully making off with a significant amount of money. This act marked a turning point, drawing the attention of law enforcement and setting in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to their downfall.
The Pinkerton National Detective Agency, renowned for their relentless pursuit of criminals, were soon on their trail. The Sontag Brothers were now prime targets. George was eventually apprehended, while John and Chris managed to evade capture. George was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment at Folsom Prison, a grim testament to the consequences of his actions.
John and Chris Evans remained at large for nearly a year, skillfully evading capture and continuing their outlaw activities. However, their luck eventually ran out. On June 11, 1893, law enforcement finally caught up with them, leading to a dramatic and bloody shootout. John was severely wounded during the confrontation, his injuries so grave that the posse decided to wait until morning, when reinforcements could arrive, before attempting to move him.
Taken to Fresno, John succumbed to his injuries a month later, dying from tetanus. Chris Evans, also wounded during the capture, survived to face trial and was subsequently convicted and sent to prison at Folsom. The era of the Sontag Brothers seemed to have come to an end.
Despite his life sentence, George Sontag was eventually released from Folsom Prison on March 21, 1908, after serving 15 years behind bars. In an attempt to reshape his narrative, he authored a book titled A Pardoned Lifer, recounting his experiences and offering a glimpse into the life of an outlaw turned penitent. The book was later adapted into a movie in 1914, further solidifying the Sontag Brothers‘ place in popular culture. The details surrounding George’s death remain shrouded in mystery.
Chris Evans remained incarcerated until 1911, when he was finally released from prison. As a condition of his release, he was banished from the state of California, forced to leave behind the land that had witnessed his rise and fall. He spent the remainder of his life in Oregon, living in relative obscurity, far from the scenes of his former exploits.
The story of the Sontag Brothers serves as a cautionary tale of how misfortune, resentment, and poor choices can lead individuals down a path of crime and destruction. Their legacy, forever intertwined with train robberies and the relentless pursuit of law enforcement, continues to fascinate and captivate those interested in the history of the American West. They became legends of the Old West and outlaws that were known across the country. The name Sontag Brothers still evokes the lore of the American West.