May 23, 2025 • 25 mins
A single mechanical failure changed the course of Western history on a hot July night in 1870. When Medal of Honor recipient Private John Kile pressed his Army Remington against Wild Bill Hickok's head and pulled the trigger, the hammer fell with a dull click instead of a fatal blast. That misfire in Paddy Welch's Saloon set off a desperate struggle that would leave Kiley dead, his companion wounded, and add another chapter to Hickok's growing legend.
Hays City in 1870 stood at a crossroads, transforming from a chaotic railroad terminus into a fledgling settlement while still harboring the volatile energy of the untamed frontier. Into this powder keg came three men whose collision course was perhaps inevitable: Wild Bill Hickok, no longer sheriff but still carrying his deadly reputation; Private John Kile, whose Medal of Honor couldn't outshine his troubled past marked by desertion and discipline problems; and Private Jeremiah "Jerry" Lonergan, renowned for his formidable fighting prowess.
Their confrontation erupted with stunning violence. Lonergan trapped Hickok in a powerful bear hug while Kile pressed his revolver to Hickok's head. When the gun misfired, Hickok managed to draw his own weapons despite being restrained, shooting Kiley fatally and wounding Lonergan before making a dramatic escape through a glass window. He fled to Boot Hill Cemetery with a Winchester rifle and 100 rounds of ammunition, leaving town the next day while authorities—both military and civilian—declined to press charges against him.
This authenticated incident, documented in military records yet largely overlooked in popular history, reveals the razor-thin margins between life and death on the frontier and how practical considerations often outweighed strict legal procedure. Join us as we uncover this forgotten chapter in Western history, where a single mechanical failure altered destinies and added another extraordinary tale to the Wild Bill Hickok legend.
"Edward Masterson and the Texas Cowboys," penned by Michael King, takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the American West, focusing on the lively and gritty cattle town of Dodge City, Kansas. This thrilling dime novel plunges into the action-packed year of Ed Masterson's life as a lawman, set against the backdrop of the chaotic cattle trade, filled with fierce conflicts, shifting loyalties, and rampant lawlessness. You can order the book on Amazon.
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
By July 1870, the railroad's terminus had
decisively shifted further west,signaling the potential for a
calmer and more stable era forHayes City.
(00:25):
This once chaotic end-of-trackdestination began its arduous
and often tumultuoustransformation into a
flourishing settlement,bolstered by the arrival of the
first waves of Volga Germanimmigrants.
These newcomers, lured byenticing promises of fertile
agricultural land and theprospect of prosperity, laid the
(00:48):
groundwork for a community inthe making.
Yet beneath this veneer ofprogress, the specter of
violence loomed large as thesettlement teetered on the brink
of safety.
Amidst the enduring volatilityof frontier life, the town
grappled with a precariousbalance, a crucible where the
raw, untamed energy of thefrontier continually clashed
(01:11):
with the burgeoning aspirationsof civilization.
During the summer of 1870,private John Kiley was stationed
at Fort Hayes, serving inCompany M of the esteemed 7th
Cavalry.
Kyle embodied a strikingparadox a soldier whose military
(01:34):
record was marked by episodesof both extraordinary heroism
and significant disciplinaryinfractions.
Disciplinary infractions Priorto his current assignment, he
had served as a corporal in theUS Cavalry, where he was awarded
the prestigious CongressionalMedal of Honor for his gallantry
against hostile Cheyennewarriors near the Republican
(01:55):
River in Kansas.
This commendation lauded hiscourage as he and two fellow
soldiers faced an ambush byeight assailants.
Through remarkable bravery andtactical skill, they
successfully repelled theattackers, inflicting injuries
on two of their enemies in theprocess.
This harrowing encounter waspart of a broader campaign
(02:17):
against Chief Tallbull's band,culminating in the famed Battle
of Summit Springs just dayslater.
However, the glow of Kiley'svalor was often overshadowed by
his troubled past.
Initially enlisted in Custer's7th Cavalry, he deserted under
dubious circumstances, only tolater rejoin the ranks by
(02:39):
enlisting in the 5th Cavalry.
It was during this period thathe performed the valiant actions
that earned him nationalrecognition.
Yet the shadow of his earlierdesertion loomed large.
He faced a court-martial forthis offense after his
commendable service, resultingin a guilty verdict and a
sentence of hard labor, whichwas later mitigated after
(03:01):
appeals for clemency.
In a remarkable twist of fate,rather than being discharged,
kiley re-enlisted and wastransferred back to the 7th
Cavalry.
Throughout his military career,kiley sometimes adopted the
alias John Kelly, a name thatallowed him a semblance of
anonymity amidst the tumult ofhis life.
(03:23):
Private Jeremiah Jerry Lonergan, also serving the ranks of the
storied 7th Cavalry, was asteadfast companion to Kiley
during their time at Fort Hayes.
While less is known aboutLonergan compared to some of his
contemporaries, one vividaccount paints him as a pugilist
(03:46):
of local renown.
This intriguing moniker hintsat his reputation for formidable
physical prowess and suggests apast peppered with brawls and
fistfights common, if notexpected, pastimes for soldiers
stationed in the ruggedlandscapes of frontier towns.
For soldiers stationed in therugged landscapes of frontier
(04:08):
towns, whispers of speculationsurround Lonergan, with some
hinting at a simmering personalgrudge against the legendary
Wild Bill Hickok stemming fromHickok's brief and tempestuous
tenure as sheriff the previousyear.
However, the reality was farmore mundane.
Lonergan was merely Kiley'scompanion during one of their
many raucous drinking escapadesthat often blurred the lines of
(04:30):
camaraderie and chaos.
Like Kiley, lonergan embodiesthe unpredictable and volatile
spirit found within the ranks ofthe military, individuals whose
off-duty antics could flare upinto bouts of violence,
transforming moments of revelryinto encounters fraught with
danger.
(04:55):
In July 1870, wild Bill Hickokreturned to Hays not as sheriff,
but likely serving underfederal authority as a deputy US
marshal.
His responsibilities in thisrole may have included tracking
army deserters or pursuingfederal fugitives.
Despite not having a localbadge, his fame and history made
(05:16):
him a prominent and potentiallycontroversial figure.
His very presence, the man whohad recently killed two men in
the town streets, served as alightning rod.
The same deadly reputation thatmade him an effective, albeit
feared, lawman also rendered hima target for resentment,
(05:36):
challenges and drunkenaggression, particularly from
soldiers who often resisted anyform of authority.
From soldiers who oftenresisted any form of authority.
Hickok exemplified the paradoxof frontier law the harsh
measures required to control awild town could themselves
provoke further violencedirected at the enforcer.
(05:57):
On the sultry night of July 17,1870, privates Kiley and Lonegan
meandered through the unpavedstreets of Hayes City, seeking
either entertainment or perhapsthe numbing embrace of oblivion.
Within one of the town'snumerous saloons, most records
indicate that they chose PattyWelch's Saloon, a dissonant
(06:19):
establishment situated on SouthFort Street.
The saloon was owned by John DPaddy Welch, a commanding figure
in the company of men, anex-soldier notorious for his
volatile temperament andpropensity for violence, having
taken a man's life during abrawl in a saloon in Ellsworth
(06:41):
just three years prior.
It stands to reason that theambience of his establishment
reflected both his formidablecharacter and the rugged essence
of the town itself.
One can readily picture thesaloon's interior, dimly
illuminated by the flickeringflames of oil lamps casting
elongated shadows on theweathered walls.
(07:03):
The air was thick, with theamalgamated scents of stale beer
, low-quality whiskey, sweat andthe acrid tang of smoke from
hand-rolled cigars.
The atmosphere buzzed with anunruly symphony of loud
conversations interspersed withraucous laughter, the sharp
clink of glassware mingling withthe shuffle of worn-out cards.
(07:27):
Occasionally heated exchangessimmered in hushed tones hinting
at brewing confrontations justwaiting to boil over.
All the while accompanied bythe heavy thud of booted feet on
the rough-hewn woodenfloorboards polished by years of
restless patrons.
On the rough-hewn woodenfloorboards polished by years of
(07:48):
restless patrons, frontierSaloon served as crucibles of
tension, ennui and intoxication,volatile settings where
confrontations could ignite intochaos, with razor-sharp
suddenness transforming a nightof fun into a frantic dance with
danger.
That fateful night at PattyWelch's, the atmosphere crackled
(08:10):
with tension as the key figuresof the frontier converged in
the dimly lit bar.
Wild Bill Hickok, the legendarylawman, might have been taking
his ease at the polished lengthof the bar, gently swirling his
drink while keeping a watchfuleye on the room's occupants,
whether seated at a raucoustable surrounded by card players
(08:31):
or engaged in a livelyconversation.
His signature vigilance wasunmistakable, scanning the faces
and movements around him with akeen perception of a predator,
him with a keen perception of apredator.
Within the same walls, kileyand Lonegan, labeled drunken
(08:54):
troopers stumbled through thedoor, their laughter echoing
like the sounds of mischief, asthey swayed on unsteady feet.
It remained uncertain whethertheir intentions were to
confront Hickok or if the warmthof the whiskey had simply
ignited their reckless bravadoupon spotting the famous
gunfighter.
What was unmistakably clear,however, was the charged
atmosphere that enveloped them.
The potent mix ofalcohol-fueled bravado, the
(09:18):
soldier's simmering resentmentespecially in Kiley's case and
Hickok's imposing aura combinedto create a scene ripe for
conflict.
As if the air itself held itsbreath, anticipating the clash
that could erupt at any moment,the confrontation erupted with
sudden and brutal ferocity, ashocking clash of wills in an
(09:41):
otherwise quiet moment.
Caught completely off guard,possibly with his back turned,
hickok found himself vulnerableas two soldiers launched a
relentless assault.
Lonergan, notorious for hisformidable fighting skills and
raw strength, closed in onHickok from behind.
In a swift and calculated move,he ensnared the taller man's
(10:03):
torso with a powerful bear hug,pinning Hickok's arms tightly to
his sides.
The intensity of the attack waspalpable, sending them both
teetering off balance as theystumbled together in a fierce
struggle.
Lonergan's grip was unyielding,each muscle straining to
wrestle Hickok to the wornwooden floor beneath them.
The air was thick with tension,each grunted effort echoing in
(10:28):
the confined space as the twomen grappled, vying for
dominance in this sudden,desperate fight.
In that chaotic instant, asLonegan strained to subdue
Hickok, kiley made his move,drawing his army-issue revolver
likely a .44-caliber Remington aweapon known amongst soldiers
(10:48):
for its power but also notoriousfor occasional mechanical
failures from concealmentbeneath his blouse or shirt.
Kiley saw his opportunity.
He lunged forward, jammed thecold muzzle of the Remington
directly against Hickok's head,near his ear, and pulled the
trigger Amidst the dimly litsaloon's deafening clamor and
(11:10):
swirling chaos.
The expected gunshot failed toecho through the air.
Instead, the tense silence wasshattered only by the dull
metallic click of Kiley's pistol, the hammer falling
ineffectively against a faultypercussion cap or an
unresponsiveprimer.
This moment of technologicalfailure, stark and unforgiving,
(11:33):
marked a pivotal turn in the arcof history.
Had the Remington fired true,the renowned gunfighter James
Butler Hickok would have met adisgraceful end, sprawled on the
filthy, sawdust-covered floorof the Hayes City Saloon.
Meanwhile, john Kiley, aonce-decorated Medal of Honor
recipient, turned desperate anddrunk an assailant, would have
(11:55):
earned infamy as the man whokilled Wild Bill.
Hickok's survival in thiscritical juncture hinged not on
his celebrated skill with afirearm, but rather on the
capricious nature of fate andthe erratic reliability of his
(12:15):
attacker's weapon.
The misfire, both a reprieveand a lifeline, afforded Hickok
a fleeting chance at survival.
Locked in a desperate andfrantic struggle on the
rough-hewn wooden floor with apowerful and menacing Lonegan,
he instinctively invoked thehoned reflexes of a seasoned
gunslinger, a man whose veryexistence often teetered on the
precipice of peril.
Defying the odds, he somehowmanaged to execute the seemingly
(12:39):
impossible, wrenching one orboth of his pistols free from
their holsters, despite beingpinned down by Lonergan's
intimidating bulk.
This act, born of sheeradrenaline and instinct,
underscored not just hisformidable experience but also
his probable use of holstersdesigned for rapid draw in
(12:59):
life-and-death situations.
Every movement of Hickok spokevolumes of his unwavering
determination to survive againstall odds.
Chaos reigned as the three mengrappled on the
floorboards.
The most detailed account ofthe subsequent shots came from
the memoirs of Sergeant JohnRyan, a fellow soldier in
(13:21):
Company M, who also likely heardreliable versions of the event
soon after it occurred.
According to Ryan's narrative,hickok, perhaps twisting
partially free or firingawkwardly behind him, discharged
his weapon first at Kiley, himdischarged his weapon first at
(13:43):
Kiley.
The bullet struck Kiley in thewrist, likely causing immense
pain and potentially forcing himto drop his now useless
Remington.
Almost immediately, hickokfired again at Kiley, this time
hitting him squarely in the body, specifically the stomach or
abdomen.
The second shot proved to bethe mortal wound, with Kiley
collapsing or incapacitated.
(14:03):
Hickok turned his attention tothe man still grappling with him
.
A third shot rang out, strikingLonegan violently in the knee.
The impact and agony forcedLonegan to release his hold,
finally freeing Hickok.
Some accounts slightly alterthe sequence, suggesting Hickok
shot Lonegan first release hishold, finally freeing Hickok.
Some accounts slightly alterthe sequence, suggesting Hickok
shot Lonegan first to break thehold before dealing with Kiley.
(14:25):
But the Ryan version placingthe mortal wounding of Kiley
before the disabling of Lonegan,appears more consistent with
the availableevidence.
In a matter of seconds,leveraging a misfire and his own
deadly speed, hickok had turneda near-certain-death sentence
(14:47):
into a grim victory.
Freed from Lonergan's grasp,but acutely aware of the danger,
patty Welch's was likely filledwith other soldiers who might
seek immediate revenge.
Hickok wasted no time,scrambling to his feet amidst
the stunned or panicked saloonpatrons.
He made for the nearest exit.
In a move that would addanother layer to his legend, he
(15:11):
didn't use the door, but insteadlaunched himself bodily through
a glass window, shattering thepain and taking the wooden sash
with him as he crashed out intothe haze city night, his flight
was far fromover.
Anticipating a furious chase bythe enraged soldiers from the
nearby fort Hickok, hurriedlydashed through the shadowy
streets toward his lodgings, hequickly armed himself with a
(15:34):
Winchester repeating rifle, aweapon renowned for its power
and reliability, along with asubstantial supply of ammunition
reportedly around 100 rounds.
A substantial supply ofammunition reportedly around 100
rounds.
His mind racing with theurgency of the moment, seeking
refuge in the inky darkness, hefound the most fitting hiding
place imaginable the town's BootHill Cemetery.
(15:56):
There, surrounded by the sombertombstones of those who had
fallen victim to Hayes City'sviolent past, the legendary
gunfighter settled into a tensesilence, ready to confront
whatever conflict might come.
Meanwhile, the diary of a youngvisitor to Fort Hayes, annie
(16:20):
Roberts, captured the hauntingatmosphere of that fateful night
.
She recounted how she wasjolted from her slumber by
distant cries for a priest, adisquieting echo that filled her
with foreboding.
Shots were fired back and forthacross the bridge, she noted,
painting a vivid picture ofchaos and fear, a testament to
(16:40):
the immediate commotion andperhaps the sporadic frantic
pursuit that erupted in the wakeof the violent altercation in
the saloon.
Back at Patty Welch's saloon,the scene following the violent
altercation was one of despairand
chaos.
John Kiley, gravely injured,was likely rushed back to the
(17:05):
military hospital at Fort Hayes.
Despite the swift medicalattention he received, he
tragically succumbed to hisinjuries just a day later.
On July 18, 1870.
The initial military reportsuccinctly categorized his death
as resulting from a gunshotwound sustained in Hayes City.
This brief account sparked abureaucratic inquiry from
(17:28):
military headquarters,questioning whether Kiley's
death occurred in the line ofduty.
The answer, unfortunately, wasno.
Kiley, a complex figure knownfor both his courage and
tumultuous behavior, wasinitially interred in the
soldiers' ground of the postcemetery at Fort Hayes.
However, in a latter act ofhonor, his remains were
(17:50):
transferred to the prestigiousFort Leavenworth National
Cemetery, where he now liesamong those who were formally
recognized for theirservice.
In stark contrast, jeremiahLonergan, who had sustained a
significant gunshot wound to theknee, managed to survive the
brutal encounter.
He spent several weeksrecuperating in the confines of
(18:12):
the Fort Hayes Hospital,grappling with the painful
reality of his injury.
Yet despite his survival, thetrajectory of his life remained
heavily influenced by hisreputation as a pugilist, a man
known for his fierce temperamentand penchant for violence.
Tragically, his life would notescape the shadows of his past.
(18:32):
He was reportedly killed inanother brawl shortly thereafter
, his demise echoing the violentlifestyle that had come to
define him.
Thus, lonegan's fate ultimatelymirrored the chaotic and
ruthless world in which he hadfought so fiercely to
survive.
For while Bill Hickok, hayesCity had once again become too
(18:53):
dangerous.
The day after the shooting onJuly 18th, he slipped out of his
hiding place in the cemetery,made his way to the nearby Big
Creek Station and boarded aneastbound train, effectively
fleeing the town he had oncebeen hired to tame.
Remarkably, despite killing oneUS Army soldier and wounding
(19:14):
another, hickok faced no formalcharges.
The military authoritiesdeclined to pursue the matter
officially, stating thatPrivates Kiley and Lonigan were
off-duty at the time of theincident and had been involved
in a barroom brawl effectivelyinitiating the conflict.
Neither Captain Miles Keough,kiley's initial company
(19:37):
commander, nor Tom Custer, whowas commanding Company M at the
time, took any official actionagainst Hickok at the time took
any official action againstTickock.
Civilian authorities in EllisCounty also failed to act,
likely viewing the shooting asjustifiable self-defense a plea
that had served Tickock well inthe past or perhaps simply
content to see the controversialfigure leave town?
(19:59):
This resolution reflected acommon frontier pragmatism.
The soldiers were deemedresponsible for starting the
fight.
At the same time they weredrunk and off-duty.
Hickok removed himself from thevolatile situation and both
(20:21):
military and civilianauthorities avoided a
potentially messy andjurisdictionally ambiguous
prosecution.
Immediate peace, or at leastremoving a major source of
conflict, took precedence overstrict legal
procedure.
The explosive showdown betweenWild Bill and Privates John
Kiley and Jeremiah Lonergan atPatty Walsh's Saloon on July 17,
1870, paints a vivid picture ofthe tumultuous American
(20:42):
frontier.
Set in Hayes City, a rough andtumble town shaped by its
proximity to the railroad andFort Hayes.
This clash erupted in anatmosphere charged with
lawlessness, fueled by alcoholand a constantly shifting
population.
In such a setting, conflict wasnot just possible, it was
(21:04):
inevitable.
Each participant in thisdramatic encounter represented
the conflicting elements of theera.
Hickok, a legendary gunfighter,was revered as a lawman
embodying the order in a chaoticworld.
Yet his fame made him a primetarget.
Kiley, a once-decorated warhero, possessed a medal of honor
(21:27):
that couldn't overshadow histroubled past, marked by
desertion and a propensity forviolence.
And then there was Lonergan, abrawler whose brute strength
could easily turn deadly.
The confrontation hinged on atwist of fate, the misfire of
Kiley's Remington pistol,underscoring the unpredictable
(21:48):
nature of luck and technology ineven the most legendary duels.
Hickok's survival, followed byhis swift and lethal retaliation
, showcased his unique skillsthat solidified his reputation.
His dramatic escape afterwardhighlighted frontier justices'
often ambiguous and essentiallypragmatic nature.
(22:09):
The absence of legalrepercussions for Hickok
illustrated the jurisdictionalgray areas and practical
realities that frequentlyinfluenced military and civilian
authorities.
As time passed, this documented, albeit violent, saloon brawl
(22:33):
morphed into a legendary tale,embellished in popular
narratives like Buell's Heroesof the Plains.
The raw facts became clouded bysensationalism, transforming
the encounter into more thanjust a historical event.
It slipped into the richfolklore of the American West,
where myth often overshadowsreality.
(22:53):
The night at Patty Welch'ssaloon stands as a stirring
reminder of the razor-thin linebetween life and death and the
ever-blurring distinctionbetween fact and fiction on the
rugged Kansas frontier.
Imagine a story that hascaptivated audience throughout
(23:25):
the ages, filled with daringexploits and larger-than-life
characters.
In the making of Wild BillHickok, michael King takes us on
a thrilling journey through thelife of a truly remarkable
figure.
With a masterful blend of vividstorytelling and dramatic flair
, king crafts a narrative thatpulls us into the whirlwind of
Wild Bill's extraordinaryadventures, sparking an endless
(23:48):
appetite for even moreoutrageous
tales.
The Making of Wild Bill Hickokis now available on Amazoncom.
Order you a copy?
Go to the description page ofthis podcast copy.
Go to the description page ofthis
podcast.
As we wrap up today's program,we invite you to take part in an
(24:09):
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Get ready for an incrediblejourney as we kick off part one
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Tune in next time.
By July 1870, the railroad's terminus had
decisively shifted further west,signaling the potential for a
calmer and more stable era forHayes City.
(00:25):
This once chaotic end-of-trackdestination began its arduous
and often tumultuoustransformation into a
flourishing settlement,bolstered by the arrival of the
first waves of Volga Germanimmigrants.
These newcomers, lured byenticing promises of fertile
agricultural land and theprospect of prosperity, laid the
(00:48):
groundwork for a community inthe making.
Yet beneath this veneer ofprogress, the specter of
violence loomed large as thesettlement teetered on the brink
of safety.
Amidst the enduring volatilityof frontier life, the town
grappled with a precariousbalance, a crucible where the
raw, untamed energy of thefrontier continually clashed
(01:11):
with the burgeoning aspirationsof civilization.
During the summer of 1870,private John Kiley was stationed
at Fort Hayes, serving inCompany M of the esteemed 7th
Cavalry.
Kyle embodied a strikingparadox a soldier whose military
(01:34):
record was marked by episodesof both extraordinary heroism
and significant disciplinaryinfractions.
Disciplinary infractions Priorto his current assignment, he
had served as a corporal in theUS Cavalry, where he was awarded
the prestigious CongressionalMedal of Honor for his gallantry
against hostile Cheyennewarriors near the Republican
(01:55):
River in Kansas.
This commendation lauded hiscourage as he and two fellow
soldiers faced an ambush byeight assailants.
Through remarkable bravery andtactical skill, they
successfully repelled theattackers, inflicting injuries
on two of their enemies in theprocess.
This harrowing encounter waspart of a broader campaign
(02:17):
against Chief Tallbull's band,culminating in the famed Battle
of Summit Springs just dayslater.
However, the glow of Kiley'svalor was often overshadowed by
his troubled past.
Initially enlisted in Custer's7th Cavalry, he deserted under
dubious circumstances, only tolater rejoin the ranks by
(02:39):
enlisting in the 5th Cavalry.
It was during this period thathe performed the valiant actions
that earned him nationalrecognition.
Yet the shadow of his earlierdesertion loomed large.
He faced a court-martial forthis offense after his
commendable service, resultingin a guilty verdict and a
sentence of hard labor, whichwas later mitigated after
(03:01):
appeals for clemency.
In a remarkable twist of fate,rather than being discharged,
kiley re-enlisted and wastransferred back to the 7th
Cavalry.
Throughout his military career,kiley sometimes adopted the
alias John Kelly, a name thatallowed him a semblance of
anonymity amidst the tumult ofhis life.
(03:23):
Private Jeremiah Jerry Lonergan, also serving the ranks of the
storied 7th Cavalry, was asteadfast companion to Kiley
during their time at Fort Hayes.
While less is known aboutLonergan compared to some of his
contemporaries, one vividaccount paints him as a pugilist
(03:46):
of local renown.
This intriguing moniker hintsat his reputation for formidable
physical prowess and suggests apast peppered with brawls and
fistfights common, if notexpected, pastimes for soldiers
stationed in the ruggedlandscapes of frontier towns.
For soldiers stationed in therugged landscapes of frontier
(04:08):
towns, whispers of speculationsurround Lonergan, with some
hinting at a simmering personalgrudge against the legendary
Wild Bill Hickok stemming fromHickok's brief and tempestuous
tenure as sheriff the previousyear.
However, the reality was farmore mundane.
Lonergan was merely Kiley'scompanion during one of their
many raucous drinking escapadesthat often blurred the lines of
(04:30):
camaraderie and chaos.
Like Kiley, lonergan embodiesthe unpredictable and volatile
spirit found within the ranks ofthe military, individuals whose
off-duty antics could flare upinto bouts of violence,
transforming moments of revelryinto encounters fraught with
danger.
(04:55):
In July 1870, wild Bill Hickokreturned to Hays not as sheriff,
but likely serving underfederal authority as a deputy US
marshal.
His responsibilities in thisrole may have included tracking
army deserters or pursuingfederal fugitives.
Despite not having a localbadge, his fame and history made
(05:16):
him a prominent and potentiallycontroversial figure.
His very presence, the man whohad recently killed two men in
the town streets, served as alightning rod.
The same deadly reputation thatmade him an effective, albeit
feared, lawman also rendered hima target for resentment,
(05:36):
challenges and drunkenaggression, particularly from
soldiers who often resisted anyform of authority.
From soldiers who oftenresisted any form of authority.
Hickok exemplified the paradoxof frontier law the harsh
measures required to control awild town could themselves
provoke further violencedirected at the enforcer.
(05:57):
On the sultry night of July 17,1870, privates Kiley and Lonegan
meandered through the unpavedstreets of Hayes City, seeking
either entertainment or perhapsthe numbing embrace of oblivion.
Within one of the town'snumerous saloons, most records
indicate that they chose PattyWelch's Saloon, a dissonant
(06:19):
establishment situated on SouthFort Street.
The saloon was owned by John DPaddy Welch, a commanding figure
in the company of men, anex-soldier notorious for his
volatile temperament andpropensity for violence, having
taken a man's life during abrawl in a saloon in Ellsworth
(06:41):
just three years prior.
It stands to reason that theambience of his establishment
reflected both his formidablecharacter and the rugged essence
of the town itself.
One can readily picture thesaloon's interior, dimly
illuminated by the flickeringflames of oil lamps casting
elongated shadows on theweathered walls.
(07:03):
The air was thick, with theamalgamated scents of stale beer
, low-quality whiskey, sweat andthe acrid tang of smoke from
hand-rolled cigars.
The atmosphere buzzed with anunruly symphony of loud
conversations interspersed withraucous laughter, the sharp
clink of glassware mingling withthe shuffle of worn-out cards.
(07:27):
Occasionally heated exchangessimmered in hushed tones hinting
at brewing confrontations justwaiting to boil over.
All the while accompanied bythe heavy thud of booted feet on
the rough-hewn woodenfloorboards polished by years of
restless patrons.
On the rough-hewn woodenfloorboards polished by years of
(07:48):
restless patrons, frontierSaloon served as crucibles of
tension, ennui and intoxication,volatile settings where
confrontations could ignite intochaos, with razor-sharp
suddenness transforming a nightof fun into a frantic dance with
danger.
That fateful night at PattyWelch's, the atmosphere crackled
(08:10):
with tension as the key figuresof the frontier converged in
the dimly lit bar.
Wild Bill Hickok, the legendarylawman, might have been taking
his ease at the polished lengthof the bar, gently swirling his
drink while keeping a watchfuleye on the room's occupants,
whether seated at a raucoustable surrounded by card players
(08:31):
or engaged in a livelyconversation.
His signature vigilance wasunmistakable, scanning the faces
and movements around him with akeen perception of a predator,
him with a keen perception of apredator.
Within the same walls, kileyand Lonegan, labeled drunken
(08:54):
troopers stumbled through thedoor, their laughter echoing
like the sounds of mischief, asthey swayed on unsteady feet.
It remained uncertain whethertheir intentions were to
confront Hickok or if the warmthof the whiskey had simply
ignited their reckless bravadoupon spotting the famous
gunfighter.
What was unmistakably clear,however, was the charged
atmosphere that enveloped them.
The potent mix ofalcohol-fueled bravado, the
(09:18):
soldier's simmering resentmentespecially in Kiley's case and
Hickok's imposing aura combinedto create a scene ripe for
conflict.
As if the air itself held itsbreath, anticipating the clash
that could erupt at any moment,the confrontation erupted with
sudden and brutal ferocity, ashocking clash of wills in an
(09:41):
otherwise quiet moment.
Caught completely off guard,possibly with his back turned,
hickok found himself vulnerableas two soldiers launched a
relentless assault.
Lonergan, notorious for hisformidable fighting skills and
raw strength, closed in onHickok from behind.
In a swift and calculated move,he ensnared the taller man's
(10:03):
torso with a powerful bear hug,pinning Hickok's arms tightly to
his sides.
The intensity of the attack waspalpable, sending them both
teetering off balance as theystumbled together in a fierce
struggle.
Lonergan's grip was unyielding,each muscle straining to
wrestle Hickok to the wornwooden floor beneath them.
The air was thick with tension,each grunted effort echoing in
(10:28):
the confined space as the twomen grappled, vying for
dominance in this sudden,desperate fight.
In that chaotic instant, asLonegan strained to subdue
Hickok, kiley made his move,drawing his army-issue revolver
likely a .44-caliber Remington aweapon known amongst soldiers
(10:48):
for its power but also notoriousfor occasional mechanical
failures from concealmentbeneath his blouse or shirt.
Kiley saw his opportunity.
He lunged forward, jammed thecold muzzle of the Remington
directly against Hickok's head,near his ear, and pulled the
trigger Amidst the dimly litsaloon's deafening clamor and
(11:10):
swirling chaos.
The expected gunshot failed toecho through the air.
Instead, the tense silence wasshattered only by the dull
metallic click of Kiley's pistol, the hammer falling
ineffectively against a faultypercussion cap or an
unresponsiveprimer.
This moment of technologicalfailure, stark and unforgiving,
(11:33):
marked a pivotal turn in the arcof history.
Had the Remington fired true,the renowned gunfighter James
Butler Hickok would have met adisgraceful end, sprawled on the
filthy, sawdust-covered floorof the Hayes City Saloon.
Meanwhile, john Kiley, aonce-decorated Medal of Honor
recipient, turned desperate anddrunk an assailant, would have
(11:55):
earned infamy as the man whokilled Wild Bill.
Hickok's survival in thiscritical juncture hinged not on
his celebrated skill with afirearm, but rather on the
capricious nature of fate andthe erratic reliability of his
(12:15):
attacker's weapon.
The misfire, both a reprieveand a lifeline, afforded Hickok
a fleeting chance at survival.
Locked in a desperate andfrantic struggle on the
rough-hewn wooden floor with apowerful and menacing Lonegan,
he instinctively invoked thehoned reflexes of a seasoned
gunslinger, a man whose veryexistence often teetered on the
precipice of peril.
Defying the odds, he somehowmanaged to execute the seemingly
(12:39):
impossible, wrenching one orboth of his pistols free from
their holsters, despite beingpinned down by Lonergan's
intimidating bulk.
This act, born of sheeradrenaline and instinct,
underscored not just hisformidable experience but also
his probable use of holstersdesigned for rapid draw in
(12:59):
life-and-death situations.
Every movement of Hickok spokevolumes of his unwavering
determination to survive againstall odds.
Chaos reigned as the three mengrappled on the
floorboards.
The most detailed account ofthe subsequent shots came from
the memoirs of Sergeant JohnRyan, a fellow soldier in
(13:21):
Company M, who also likely heardreliable versions of the event
soon after it occurred.
According to Ryan's narrative,hickok, perhaps twisting
partially free or firingawkwardly behind him, discharged
his weapon first at Kiley, himdischarged his weapon first at
(13:43):
Kiley.
The bullet struck Kiley in thewrist, likely causing immense
pain and potentially forcing himto drop his now useless
Remington.
Almost immediately, hickokfired again at Kiley, this time
hitting him squarely in the body, specifically the stomach or
abdomen.
The second shot proved to bethe mortal wound, with Kiley
collapsing or incapacitated.
(14:03):
Hickok turned his attention tothe man still grappling with him
.
A third shot rang out, strikingLonegan violently in the knee.
The impact and agony forcedLonegan to release his hold,
finally freeing Hickok.
Some accounts slightly alterthe sequence, suggesting Hickok
shot Lonegan first release hishold, finally freeing Hickok.
Some accounts slightly alterthe sequence, suggesting Hickok
shot Lonegan first to break thehold before dealing with Kiley.
(14:25):
But the Ryan version placingthe mortal wounding of Kiley
before the disabling of Lonegan,appears more consistent with
the availableevidence.
In a matter of seconds,leveraging a misfire and his own
deadly speed, hickok had turneda near-certain-death sentence
(14:47):
into a grim victory.
Freed from Lonergan's grasp,but acutely aware of the danger,
patty Welch's was likely filledwith other soldiers who might
seek immediate revenge.
Hickok wasted no time,scrambling to his feet amidst
the stunned or panicked saloonpatrons.
He made for the nearest exit.
In a move that would addanother layer to his legend, he
(15:11):
didn't use the door, but insteadlaunched himself bodily through
a glass window, shattering thepain and taking the wooden sash
with him as he crashed out intothe haze city night, his flight
was far fromover.
Anticipating a furious chase bythe enraged soldiers from the
nearby fort Hickok, hurriedlydashed through the shadowy
streets toward his lodgings, hequickly armed himself with a
(15:34):
Winchester repeating rifle, aweapon renowned for its power
and reliability, along with asubstantial supply of ammunition
reportedly around 100 rounds.
A substantial supply ofammunition reportedly around 100
rounds.
His mind racing with theurgency of the moment, seeking
refuge in the inky darkness, hefound the most fitting hiding
place imaginable the town's BootHill Cemetery.
(15:56):
There, surrounded by the sombertombstones of those who had
fallen victim to Hayes City'sviolent past, the legendary
gunfighter settled into a tensesilence, ready to confront
whatever conflict might come.
Meanwhile, the diary of a youngvisitor to Fort Hayes, annie
(16:20):
Roberts, captured the hauntingatmosphere of that fateful night
.
She recounted how she wasjolted from her slumber by
distant cries for a priest, adisquieting echo that filled her
with foreboding.
Shots were fired back and forthacross the bridge, she noted,
painting a vivid picture ofchaos and fear, a testament to
(16:40):
the immediate commotion andperhaps the sporadic frantic
pursuit that erupted in the wakeof the violent altercation in
the saloon.
Back at Patty Welch's saloon,the scene following the violent
altercation was one of despairand
chaos.
John Kiley, gravely injured,was likely rushed back to the
(17:05):
military hospital at Fort Hayes.
Despite the swift medicalattention he received, he
tragically succumbed to hisinjuries just a day later.
On July 18, 1870.
The initial military reportsuccinctly categorized his death
as resulting from a gunshotwound sustained in Hayes City.
This brief account sparked abureaucratic inquiry from
(17:28):
military headquarters,questioning whether Kiley's
death occurred in the line ofduty.
The answer, unfortunately, wasno.
Kiley, a complex figure knownfor both his courage and
tumultuous behavior, wasinitially interred in the
soldiers' ground of the postcemetery at Fort Hayes.
However, in a latter act ofhonor, his remains were
(17:50):
transferred to the prestigiousFort Leavenworth National
Cemetery, where he now liesamong those who were formally
recognized for theirservice.
In stark contrast, jeremiahLonergan, who had sustained a
significant gunshot wound to theknee, managed to survive the
brutal encounter.
He spent several weeksrecuperating in the confines of
(18:12):
the Fort Hayes Hospital,grappling with the painful
reality of his injury.
Yet despite his survival, thetrajectory of his life remained
heavily influenced by hisreputation as a pugilist, a man
known for his fierce temperamentand penchant for violence.
Tragically, his life would notescape the shadows of his past.
(18:32):
He was reportedly killed inanother brawl shortly thereafter
, his demise echoing the violentlifestyle that had come to
define him.
Thus, lonegan's fate ultimatelymirrored the chaotic and
ruthless world in which he hadfought so fiercely to
survive.
For while Bill Hickok, hayesCity had once again become too
(18:53):
dangerous.
The day after the shooting onJuly 18th, he slipped out of his
hiding place in the cemetery,made his way to the nearby Big
Creek Station and boarded aneastbound train, effectively
fleeing the town he had oncebeen hired to tame.
Remarkably, despite killing oneUS Army soldier and wounding
(19:14):
another, hickok faced no formalcharges.
The military authoritiesdeclined to pursue the matter
officially, stating thatPrivates Kiley and Lonigan were
off-duty at the time of theincident and had been involved
in a barroom brawl effectivelyinitiating the conflict.
Neither Captain Miles Keough,kiley's initial company
(19:37):
commander, nor Tom Custer, whowas commanding Company M at the
time, took any official actionagainst Hickok at the time took
any official action againstTickock.
Civilian authorities in EllisCounty also failed to act,
likely viewing the shooting asjustifiable self-defense a plea
that had served Tickock well inthe past or perhaps simply
content to see the controversialfigure leave town?
(19:59):
This resolution reflected acommon frontier pragmatism.
The soldiers were deemedresponsible for starting the
fight.
At the same time they weredrunk and off-duty.
Hickok removed himself from thevolatile situation and both
(20:21):
military and civilianauthorities avoided a
potentially messy andjurisdictionally ambiguous
prosecution.
Immediate peace, or at leastremoving a major source of
conflict, took precedence overstrict legal
procedure.
The explosive showdown betweenWild Bill and Privates John
Kiley and Jeremiah Lonergan atPatty Walsh's Saloon on July 17,
1870, paints a vivid picture ofthe tumultuous American
(20:42):
frontier.
Set in Hayes City, a rough andtumble town shaped by its
proximity to the railroad andFort Hayes.
This clash erupted in anatmosphere charged with
lawlessness, fueled by alcoholand a constantly shifting
population.
In such a setting, conflict wasnot just possible, it was
(21:04):
inevitable.
Each participant in thisdramatic encounter represented
the conflicting elements of theera.
Hickok, a legendary gunfighter,was revered as a lawman
embodying the order in a chaoticworld.
Yet his fame made him a primetarget.
Kiley, a once-decorated warhero, possessed a medal of honor
(21:27):
that couldn't overshadow histroubled past, marked by
desertion and a propensity forviolence.
And then there was Lonergan, abrawler whose brute strength
could easily turn deadly.
The confrontation hinged on atwist of fate, the misfire of
Kiley's Remington pistol,underscoring the unpredictable
(21:48):
nature of luck and technology ineven the most legendary duels.
Hickok's survival, followed byhis swift and lethal retaliation
, showcased his unique skillsthat solidified his reputation.
His dramatic escape afterwardhighlighted frontier justices'
often ambiguous and essentiallypragmatic nature.
(22:09):
The absence of legalrepercussions for Hickok
illustrated the jurisdictionalgray areas and practical
realities that frequentlyinfluenced military and civilian
authorities.
As time passed, this documented, albeit violent, saloon brawl
(22:33):
morphed into a legendary tale,embellished in popular
narratives like Buell's Heroesof the Plains.
The raw facts became clouded bysensationalism, transforming
the encounter into more thanjust a historical event.
It slipped into the richfolklore of the American West,
where myth often overshadowsreality.
(22:53):
The night at Patty Welch'ssaloon stands as a stirring
reminder of the razor-thin linebetween life and death and the
ever-blurring distinctionbetween fact and fiction on the
rugged Kansas frontier.
Imagine a story that hascaptivated audience throughout
(23:25):
the ages, filled with daringexploits and larger-than-life
characters.
In the making of Wild BillHickok, michael King takes us on
a thrilling journey through thelife of a truly remarkable
figure.
With a masterful blend of vividstorytelling and dramatic flair
, king crafts a narrative thatpulls us into the whirlwind of
Wild Bill's extraordinaryadventures, sparking an endless
(23:48):
appetite for even moreoutrageous
tales.
The Making of Wild Bill Hickokis now available on Amazoncom.
Order you a copy?
Go to the description page ofthis podcast copy.
Go to the description page ofthis
podcast.
As we wrap up today's program,we invite you to take part in an
(24:09):
exciting opportunity with thenewly launched extended content
programs on the Wild Westpodcast.
Each month, our dynamic hostsSam Bass and Calamity Jane will
delve deeper into a previouslycovered topic, offering fresh
insights and subjectiveperspectives.
By participating for just $3 amonth, you can not only enhance
your listening experience, butalso support the Wild West
(24:29):
podcast's ongoing research intothe rich history of the West.
Join us in this journey and bepart of something special.
That's all for now, but don'tmiss out on our electrifying
episodes available on all yourfavorite platforms Apple
Podcasts, spotify, amazon Music,pandora and
(24:53):
wildwestpodcastbuzzsproutcom.
Be sure to connect with us onFacebook at facebookcom slash
wildwestpodcast, and don'tforget to check out our YouTube
channel for even more thrillingcontent.
Get ready for an incrediblejourney as we kick off part one
of our thrilling new seriesdedicated to the rich early
history of the Kiowa people,myths and legends.
(25:14):
You won't want to miss thecaptivating stories that await
Tune in next time.
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