Hunnewell gunfight facts for kids
The Hunnewell gunfight was a shootout that happened on August 21, 1884, in the Old West. Even though it was a big deal back then, it's mostly forgotten today because it didn't involve any famous gunmen.
Hunnewell: A Busy Cattle Town
The gunfight took place in a town called Hunnewell, Kansas. In the 1880s, Hunnewell was a busy place, especially for cowboys. It was a key spot where cattle from Texas were gathered and shipped out.
The Leavenworth, Lawrence and Galveston Railroad made it easy to send cattle to big markets like the stockyards in Kansas City, Kansas. During its busiest times, Hunnewell had many businesses. It had a hotel, two general stores, a barber shop, two dance halls, and eight saloons.
Back then, Hunnewell was mostly home to railroad workers and cowboys. There weren't many lawmen in the area during the 1880s. This meant that problems like cattle rustling (stealing cattle) were often handled by the ranchers themselves.
What Happened That Day?
On August 21, 1884, two cowboys named Oscar Halsell and Clem Barfoot went into Hanley's Saloon. An argument started between them and two lawmen from Kansas. The argument quickly escalated, and several people pulled out their pistols.
No one knows for sure who fired the first shot. However, many believe that Clem Barfoot was the first to shoot. After that, several more shots were fired. Sadly, Clem Barfoot was killed during the shootout. Deputy Sheriff Ed Scotten was also seriously injured and later died from his wounds.
After the Gunfight
Even though people were killed, no one was ever charged or put on trial for the Hunnewell gunfight. At the time, the event was widely talked about. But over the years, it became less known and was eventually forgotten by most.
Oscar Halsell, one of the cowboys involved, went on to become a very successful rancher. He even hired famous outlaws like Bill Doolin and George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb to work for him. Halsell was also good friends with U.S. Marshal Evett D. Nix, a well-known lawman.
