Death Misfire: How a Jammed Gun Saved Wild Bill Hickok in Hays City

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.

Chapters

• 0:00 Hayes City's Transformation in 1870
• 1:21 John Kiley: Medal of Honor & Deserter
• 4:55 Wild Bill Returns to Hayes City
• 6:08 The Fateful Night at Patty Welch's
• 9:42 Confrontation and Misfire
• 12:00 Hickok's Desperate Escape
• 14:19 Aftermath and Frontier Justice
• 21:50 Book Promotion and Podcast Information

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:03

By July 1870, the railroad's terminus had decisively shifted further west, signaling the potential for a calmer and more stable era for Hayes City. This once chaotic end-of-track destination began its arduous and often tumultuous transformation into a flourishing settlement, bolstered by the arrival of the first waves of Volga German immigrants. These newcomers, lured by enticing promises of fertile agricultural land and the prospect of prosperity, laid the groundwork for a community in the making. Yet beneath this veneer of progress, the specter of violence loomed large as the settlement teetered on the brink of safety. Amidst the enduring volatility of frontier life, the town grappled with a precarious balance, a crucible where the raw, untamed energy of the frontier continually clashed with the burgeoning aspirations of civilization.

Speaker 1: 1:21

During the summer of 1870, private John Kiley was stationed at Fort Hayes, serving in Company M of the esteemed 7th Cavalry. Kyle embodied a striking paradox a soldier whose military record was marked by episodes of both extraordinary heroism and significant disciplinary infractions. Disciplinary infractions Prior to his current assignment, he had served as a corporal in the US Cavalry, where he was awarded the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry against hostile Cheyenne warriors near the Republican River in Kansas. This commendation lauded his courage as he and two fellow soldiers faced an ambush by eight assailants. Through remarkable bravery and tactical skill, they successfully repelled the attackers, inflicting injuries on two of their enemies in the process. This harrowing encounter was part of a broader campaign against Chief Tallbull's band, culminating in the famed Battle of Summit Springs just days later.

Speaker 1: 2:25

However, the glow of Kiley's valor was often overshadowed by his troubled past. Initially enlisted in Custer's 7th Cavalry, he deserted under dubious circumstances, only to later rejoin the ranks by enlisting in the 5th Cavalry. It was during this period that he performed the valiant actions that earned him national recognition. Yet the shadow of his earlier desertion loomed large. He faced a court-martial for this offense after his commendable service, resulting in a guilty verdict and a sentence of hard labor, which was later mitigated after appeals for clemency. In a remarkable twist of fate, rather than being discharged, kiley re-enlisted and was transferred back to the 7th Cavalry.

Speaker 1: 3:12

Throughout his military career, kiley sometimes adopted the alias John Kelly, a name that allowed him a semblance of anonymity amidst the tumult of his life. Private Jeremiah Jerry Lonergan, also serving the ranks of the storied 7th Cavalry, was a steadfast companion to Kiley during their time at Fort Hayes. While less is known about Lonergan compared to some of his contemporaries, one vivid account paints him as a pugilist of local renown. This intriguing moniker hints at his reputation for formidable physical prowess and suggests a past peppered with brawls and fistfights common, if not expected, pastimes for soldiers stationed in the rugged landscapes of frontier towns. For soldiers stationed in the rugged landscapes of frontier towns, whispers of speculation surround Lonergan, with some hinting at a simmering personal grudge against the legendary Wild Bill Hickok stemming from Hickok's brief and tempestuous tenure as sheriff the previous year. However, the reality was far more mundane. Lonergan was merely Kiley's companion during one of their many raucous drinking escapades that often blurred the lines of camaraderie and chaos. Like Kiley, lonergan embodies the unpredictable and volatile spirit found within the ranks of the military, individuals whose off-duty antics could flare up into bouts of violence, transforming moments of revelry into encounters fraught with danger.

Speaker 1: 4:55

In July 1870, wild Bill Hickok returned to Hays not as sheriff, but likely serving under federal authority as a deputy US marshal. His responsibilities in this role may have included tracking army deserters or pursuing federal fugitives. Despite not having a local badge, his fame and history made him a prominent and potentially controversial figure. His very presence, the man who had recently killed two men in the town streets, served as a lightning rod. The same deadly reputation that made him an effective, albeit feared, lawman also rendered him a target for resentment, challenges and drunken aggression, particularly from soldiers who often resisted any form of authority. From soldiers who often resisted any form of authority. Hickok exemplified the paradox of frontier law the harsh measures required to control a wild town could themselves provoke further violence directed at the enforcer.

Speaker 1: 5:57

On the sultry night of July 17, 1870, privates Kiley and Lonegan meandered through the unpaved streets of Hayes City, seeking either entertainment or perhaps the numbing embrace of oblivion. Within one of the town's numerous saloons, most records indicate that they chose Patty Welch's Saloon, a dissonant establishment situated on South Fort Street. The saloon was owned by John D Paddy Welch, a commanding figure in the company of men, an ex-soldier notorious for his volatile temperament and propensity for violence, having taken a man's life during a brawl in a saloon in Ellsworth just three years prior. It stands to reason that the ambience of his establishment reflected both his formidable character and the rugged essence of the town itself. One can readily picture the saloon's interior, dimly illuminated by the flickering flames of oil lamps casting elongated shadows on the weathered walls. The air was thick, with the amalgamated scents of stale beer, low-quality whiskey, sweat and the acrid tang of smoke from hand-rolled cigars. The atmosphere buzzed with an unruly symphony of loud conversations interspersed with raucous laughter, the sharp clink of glassware mingling with the shuffle of worn-out cards. Occasionally heated exchanges simmered in hushed tones hinting at brewing confrontations just waiting to boil over. All the while accompanied by the heavy thud of booted feet on the rough-hewn wooden floorboards polished by years of restless patrons. On the rough-hewn wooden floorboards polished by years of restless patrons, frontier Saloon served as crucibles of tension, ennui and intoxication, volatile settings where confrontations could ignite into chaos, with razor-sharp suddenness transforming a night of fun into a frantic dance with danger.

Speaker 1: 8:07

That fateful night at Patty Welch's, the atmosphere crackled with tension as the key figures of the frontier converged in the dimly lit bar. Wild Bill Hickok, the legendary lawman, might have been taking his ease at the polished length of the bar, gently swirling his drink while keeping a watchful eye on the room's occupants, whether seated at a raucous table surrounded by card players or engaged in a lively conversation. His signature vigilance was unmistakable, scanning the faces and movements around him with a keen perception of a predator, him with a keen perception of a predator. Within the same walls, kiley and Lonegan, labeled drunken troopers stumbled through the door, their laughter echoing like the sounds of mischief, as they swayed on unsteady feet. It remained uncertain whether their intentions were to confront Hickok or if the warmth of the whiskey had simply ignited their reckless bravado upon spotting the famous gunfighter. What was unmistakably clear, however, was the charged atmosphere that enveloped them. The potent mix of alcohol-fueled bravado, the soldier's simmering resentment especially in Kiley's case and Hickok's imposing aura combined to create a scene ripe for conflict.

Speaker 1: 9:27

As if the air itself held its breath, anticipating the clash that could erupt at any moment, the confrontation erupted with sudden and brutal ferocity, a shocking clash of wills in an otherwise quiet moment. Caught completely off guard, possibly with his back turned, hickok found himself vulnerable as two soldiers launched a relentless assault. Lonergan, notorious for his formidable fighting skills and raw strength, closed in on Hickok from behind. In a swift and calculated move, he ensnared the taller man's torso with a powerful bear hug, pinning Hickok's arms tightly to his sides. The intensity of the attack was palpable, sending them both teetering off balance as they stumbled together in a fierce struggle. Lonergan's grip was unyielding, each muscle straining to wrestle Hickok to the worn wooden floor beneath them. The air was thick with tension, each grunted effort echoing in the confined space as the two men grappled, vying for dominance in this sudden, desperate fight.

Speaker 1: 10:35

In that chaotic instant, as Lonegan strained to subdue Hickok, kiley made his move, drawing his army-issue revolver likely a .44-caliber Remington a weapon known amongst soldiers for its power but also notorious for occasional mechanical failures from concealment beneath his blouse or shirt. Kiley saw his opportunity. He lunged forward, jammed the cold muzzle of the Remington directly against Hickok's head, near his ear, and pulled the trigger Amidst the dimly lit saloon's deafening clamor and swirling chaos. The expected gunshot failed to echo through the air. Instead, the tense silence was shattered only by the dull metallic click of Kiley's pistol, the hammer falling ineffectively against a faulty percussion cap or an unresponsive

Speaker 1: 11:27

primer. This moment of technological failure, stark and unforgiving, marked a pivotal turn in the arc of history. Had the Remington fired true, the renowned gunfighter James Butler Hickok would have met a disgraceful end, sprawled on the filthy, sawdust-covered floor of the Hayes City Saloon. Meanwhile, john Kiley, a once-decorated Medal of Honor recipient, turned desperate and drunk an assailant, would have earned infamy as the man who killed Wild Bill. Hickok's survival in this critical juncture hinged not on his celebrated skill with a firearm, but rather on the capricious nature of fate and the erratic reliability of his attacker's weapon. The misfire, both a reprieve and a lifeline, afforded Hickok a fleeting chance at survival. Locked in a desperate and frantic struggle on the rough-hewn wooden floor with a powerful and menacing Lonegan, he instinctively invoked the honed reflexes of a seasoned gunslinger, a man whose very existence often teetered on the precipice of peril. Defying the odds, he somehow managed to execute the seemingly impossible, wrenching one or both of his pistols free from their holsters, despite being pinned down by Lonergan's intimidating bulk. This act, born of sheer adrenaline and instinct, underscored not just his formidable experience but also his probable use of holsters designed for rapid draw in life-and-death situations. Every movement of Hickok spoke volumes of his unwavering determination to survive against all odds. Chaos reigned as the three men grappled on the

Speaker 1: 13:13

floorboards. The most detailed account of the subsequent shots came from the memoirs of Sergeant John Ryan, a fellow soldier in Company M, who also likely heard reliable versions of the event soon after it occurred. According to Ryan's narrative, hickok, perhaps twisting partially free or firing awkwardly behind him, discharged his weapon first at Kiley, him discharged his weapon first at Kiley. The bullet struck Kiley in the wrist, likely causing immense pain and potentially forcing him to drop his now useless Remington. Almost immediately, hickok fired again at Kiley, this time hitting him squarely in the body, specifically the stomach or abdomen. The second shot proved to be the mortal wound, with Kiley collapsing or incapacitated. Hickok turned his attention to the man still grappling with him. A third shot rang out, striking Lonegan violently in the knee. The impact and agony forced Lonegan to release his hold, finally freeing Hickok. Some accounts slightly alter the sequence, suggesting Hickok shot Lonegan first release his hold, finally freeing Hickok. Some accounts slightly alter the sequence, suggesting Hickok shot Lonegan first to break the hold before dealing with Kiley. But the Ryan version placing the mortal wounding of Kiley before the disabling of Lonegan, appears more consistent with the available

Speaker 1: 14:33

evidence. In a matter of seconds, leveraging a misfire and his own deadly speed, hickok had turned a near-certain-death sentence into a grim victory. Freed from Lonergan's grasp, but acutely aware of the danger, patty Welch's was likely filled with other soldiers who might seek immediate revenge. Hickok wasted no time, scrambling to his feet amidst the stunned or panicked saloon patrons. He made for the nearest exit. In a move that would add another layer to his legend, he didn't use the door, but instead launched himself bodily through a glass window, shattering the pain and taking the wooden sash with him as he crashed out into the haze city night, his flight was far from

Speaker 1: 15:22

over. Anticipating a furious chase by the enraged soldiers from the nearby fort Hickok, hurriedly dashed through the shadowy streets toward his lodgings, he quickly armed himself with a Winchester repeating rifle, a weapon renowned for its power and reliability, along with a substantial supply of ammunition reportedly around 100 rounds. A substantial supply of ammunition reportedly around 100 rounds. His mind racing with the urgency of the moment, seeking refuge in the inky darkness, he found the most fitting hiding place imaginable the town's Boot Hill Cemetery. There, surrounded by the somber tombstones of those who had fallen victim to Hayes City's violent past, the legendary gunfighter settled into a tense silence, ready to confront whatever conflict might come. Meanwhile, the diary of a young visitor to Fort Hayes, annie Roberts, captured the haunting atmosphere of that fateful night. She recounted how she was jolted from her slumber by distant cries for a priest, a disquieting echo that filled her with foreboding. Shots were fired back and forth across the bridge, she noted, painting a vivid picture of chaos and fear, a testament to the immediate commotion and perhaps the sporadic frantic pursuit that erupted in the wake of the violent altercation in the saloon. Back at Patty Welch's saloon, the scene following the violent altercation was one of despair and

Speaker 1: 16:56

chaos. John Kiley, gravely injured, was likely rushed back to the military hospital at Fort Hayes. Despite the swift medical attention he received, he tragically succumbed to his injuries just a day later. On July 18, 1870. The initial military report succinctly categorized his death as resulting from a gunshot wound sustained in Hayes City. This brief account sparked a bureaucratic inquiry from military headquarters, questioning whether Kiley's death occurred in the line of duty. The answer, unfortunately, was no. Kiley, a complex figure known for both his courage and tumultuous behavior, was initially interred in the soldiers' ground of the post cemetery at Fort Hayes. However, in a latter act of honor, his remains were transferred to the prestigious Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, where he now lies among those who were formally recognized for their

Speaker 1: 17:57

service. In stark contrast, jeremiah Lonergan, who had sustained a significant gunshot wound to the knee, managed to survive the brutal encounter. He spent several weeks recuperating in the confines of the Fort Hayes Hospital, grappling with the painful reality of his injury. Yet despite his survival, the trajectory of his life remained heavily influenced by his reputation as a pugilist, a man known for his fierce temperament and penchant for violence. Tragically, his life would not escape the shadows of his past. He was reportedly killed in another brawl shortly thereafter, his demise echoing the violent lifestyle that had come to define him. Thus, lonegan's fate ultimately mirrored the chaotic and ruthless world in which he had fought so fiercely to

Speaker 1: 18:48

survive. For while Bill Hickok, hayes City had once again become too dangerous. The day after the shooting on July 18th, he slipped out of his hiding place in the cemetery, made his way to the nearby Big Creek Station and boarded an eastbound train, effectively fleeing the town he had once been hired to tame. Remarkably, despite killing one US Army soldier and wounding another, hickok faced no formal charges. The military authorities declined to pursue the matter officially, stating that Privates Kiley and Lonigan were off-duty at the time of the incident and had been involved in a barroom brawl effectively initiating the conflict. Neither Captain Miles Keough, kiley's initial company commander, nor Tom Custer, who was commanding Company M at the time, took any official action against Hickok at the time took any official action against Tickock. Civilian authorities in Ellis County also failed to act, likely viewing the shooting as justifiable self-defense a plea that had served Tickock well in the past or perhaps simply content to see the controversial figure leave town? This resolution reflected a common frontier pragmatism. The soldiers were deemed responsible for starting the fight. At the same time they were drunk and off-duty. Hickok removed himself from the volatile situation and both military and civilian authorities avoided a potentially messy and jurisdictionally ambiguous prosecution. Immediate peace, or at least removing a major source of conflict, took precedence over strict legal

Speaker 1: 20:31

procedure. The explosive showdown between Wild Bill and Privates John Kiley and Jeremiah Lonergan at Patty Walsh's Saloon on July 17, 1870, paints a vivid picture of the tumultuous American frontier. Set in Hayes City, a rough and tumble town shaped by its proximity to the railroad and Fort Hayes. This clash erupted in an atmosphere charged with lawlessness, fueled by alcohol and a constantly shifting population. In such a setting, conflict was not just possible, it was inevitable. Each participant in this dramatic encounter represented the conflicting elements of the

Speaker 1: 21:11

era. Hickok, a legendary gunfighter, was revered as a lawman embodying the order in a chaotic world. Yet his fame made him a prime target. Kiley, a once-decorated war hero, possessed a medal of honor that couldn't overshadow his troubled past, marked by desertion and a propensity for violence. And then there was Lonergan, a brawler whose brute strength could easily turn deadly. The confrontation hinged on a twist of fate, the misfire of Kiley's Remington pistol, underscoring the unpredictable nature of luck and technology in even the most legendary duels. Hickok's survival, followed by his swift and lethal retaliation, showcased his unique skills that solidified his reputation. His dramatic escape afterward highlighted frontier justices' often ambiguous and essentially pragmatic nature. The absence of legal repercussions for Hickok illustrated the jurisdictional gray areas and practical realities that frequently influenced military and civilian

Speaker 1: 22:20

authorities. As time passed, this documented, albeit violent, saloon brawl morphed into a legendary tale, embellished in popular narratives like Buell's Heroes of the Plains. The raw facts became clouded by sensationalism, transforming the encounter into more than just a historical event. It slipped into the rich folklore of the American West, where myth often overshadows reality. The night at Patty Welch's saloon stands as a stirring reminder of the razor-thin line between life and death and the ever-blurring distinction between fact and fiction on the rugged Kansas frontier. Imagine a story that has captivated audience throughout the ages, filled with daring exploits and larger-than-life characters. In the making of Wild Bill Hickok, michael King takes us on a thrilling journey through the life of a truly remarkable figure. With a masterful blend of vivid storytelling and dramatic flair, king crafts a narrative that pulls us into the whirlwind of Wild Bill's extraordinary adventures, sparking an endless appetite for even more outrageous

Speaker 1: 23:49

tales. The Making of Wild Bill Hickok is now available on Amazoncom. Order you a copy? Go to the description page of this podcast copy. Go to the description page of this

Speaker 1: 24:07

podcast. As we wrap up today's program, we invite you to take part in an exciting opportunity with the newly launched extended content programs on the Wild West podcast. Each month, our dynamic hosts Sam Bass and Calamity Jane will delve deeper into a previously covered topic, offering fresh insights and subjective perspectives. By participating for just $3 a month, you can not only enhance your listening experience, but also support the Wild West podcast's ongoing research into the rich history of the West. Join us in this journey and be part of something special. That's all for now, but don't miss out on our electrifying episodes available on all your favorite platforms Apple Podcasts, spotify, amazon Music, pandora and wildwestpodcastbuzzsproutcom. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook at facebookcom slash wildwestpodcast, and don't forget to check out our YouTube channel for even more thrilling content. Get ready for an incredible journey as we kick off part one of our thrilling new series dedicated to the rich early history of the Kiowa people, myths and legends. You won't want to miss the captivating stories that await Tune in next time.