Mike McCluskie (?-1871) was a little-known gambler and occasional
lawman from Ohio, who was the instigator of the Gunfight at Hide Park,
which took place on August 19, 1871, in Newton, Kansas.McCluskie was
well known in Newton prior to the gunfight. Earlier that same year, he
had been charged with garroting a man to death. Those charges were
dismissed. Born and raised in Ohio, he made his way down into Kansas
by way of employment with the Santa Fe Railroad, as a Night Policeman.
He became the unofficial guardian of a young teenage man named James
Riley, who was often seen in his presence, and who would eventually
become the deciding factor in the gunfight.The incident began with an
argument between local lawman, Billy Bailey, and McCluskie, who had
been employed as a policeman for the elections. 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. Mike McCluskie Biography, NetWorth, Height, Age, Weight, Family, Married, Son, Daughter