James Riley (gunman)

James Riley (1853-?) was a young man from Kansas who, on August 19, 1871 was the deciding factor in a little-known but deadly gunfight, which became known as the Gunfight at Hide Park, that took place in Newton, Kansas. The gunfight, despite being lesser known than either the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral or the Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight, resulted in more dead.

Where Kinch 'James' Riley came from is unknown. It is believed that he was born in Kansas, but as to where in Kansas is unknown. He first surfaced in Newton around 1869. He was thought to be suffering from tuberculosis, and was a loner. Mike McCluskie, a local gambler from Ohio and sometime lawman, took him in. Riley was often seen in the presence of McCluskie, but otherwise went unnoticed, and was never known to have been in any trouble. He wore a pair of twin Colt revolvers at all times, which McCluskie had taught him to use.

The incident began with an argument between Billy Bailey and McCluskie, both of whom had been hired as policemen during 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.

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