The Gunfight at Hide Park, or Newton Massacre, was the name given to
an Old West gunfight that occurred on August 19, 1871, in Newton,
Kansas, United States. It was well publicised at the time, but since
has received little historical attention, despite it producing a
higher body count than the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and the Four
Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight of 1881. Unlike most other well-known
gunfights of the Old West, it involved no notable or well known
gunfighters, nor did it propel any of its participants into any degree
of fame. Its legend has grown, however, because one of the
participants simply walked away from the scene, never to be seen
again.The incident began with an argument between two local lawmen,
Billy Bailey and Mike McCluskie. The two men began arguing on August
11, 1871, over local politics on election day in the "Red Front
Saloon", located in downtown Newton. The argument developed into a
fist fight, with Bailey being knocked outside the saloon and into the
street. McCluskie followed, drawing his pistol. He fired two shots at
Bailey, hitting him with the second shot in the chest. Bailey died the
next day, on August 12, 1871. McCluskie fled town to avoid arrest, but
was only away for a few days before returning, after receiving
information that the shooting would most likely be deemed self
defense, despite the fact that Bailey never produced a weapon.
McCluskie had claimed he feared for his life, having known that in
three previous gunfights, Bailey had killed two men.Bailey, a native
of Texas, had several cowboy friends who were in town. Upon hearing of
his death, they vowed revenge against McCluskie. On August 19, 1871,
McCluskie entered Newton and went to gamble at "Tuttles Dance Hall",
located in an area of town called Hide Park. He was accompanied by a
friend, Jim Martin. As McCluskie settled into gambling, three cowboys
entered the saloon. They were Billy Garrett, Henry Kearnes, and Jim
Wilkerson, all friends to Bailey. Billy Garrett had been in at least
two prior gunfights, killing two men.Hugh Anderson, the son of a
wealthy Bell County, Texas cattle rancher, also entered, and
approached McCluskie, calling him a coward and threatening his life.
Jim Martin jumped up and attempted to stop a fight from occurring. Gunfight at Hide Park Biography, NetWorth, Height, Age, Weight, Family, Married, Son, Daughter