Do’boy – Fighting in the Sutton-Taylor Feud
The annals of Texas history are etched with tales of grit, resilience, and often, violent conflict. Among the most notorious of these conflicts is the Sutton-Taylor Feud, a bloody and protracted struggle that gripped the state in the late 19th century. Within this tumultuous period emerged figures whose names became synonymous with the feud itself. One such individual was Phillip Goodbread Taylor, a man better known by his moniker, "Do’boy" Taylor. This article delves into the life and times of Do’boy, exploring his role as a gunfighter entangled in the deadly web of the Sutton-Taylor Feud.
Phillip Goodbread Taylor, the man who would become known as Do’boy – Fighting in the Sutton-Taylor Feud, was born in Texas around 1843. He was the son of Creed and Nancy Matilda Goodbread Taylor. Growing up in a Texas that was undergoing significant political and social upheaval, young Phillip was immersed in an environment where loyalty and family ties were paramount. As he matured, Phillip, alongside his brother Jack Hays Taylor, became deeply involved in the escalating tensions that would define the Sutton-Taylor Feud throughout the 1860s and 1870s.
The roots of the Sutton-Taylor Feud are complex, stemming from a combination of factors including the aftermath of the Civil War, Reconstruction era politics, and personal animosities. The Taylor family, staunch Confederate supporters, found themselves at odds with the Reconstructionist faction, often represented by the Suttons. This ideological divide, coupled with accusations of cattle rustling and other grievances, fueled a deadly cycle of violence that engulfed several counties in Texas.
One pivotal event that further escalated the conflict involved Phillip and his brother Jack. The brothers were involved in the killing of two cavalry soldiers stationed at Fort Mason, Texas. Given the Taylor’s strong Confederate sympathies and anti-Reconstruction stance, this act served to inflame tensions and provided the Suttons, some of whom held positions as law officers, with a pretext to pursue the Taylors. This incident thrust Do’boy – Fighting in the Sutton-Taylor Feud further into the heart of the conflict.
The Suttons, led by the infamous "Regulator" Jack Helm, were determined to bring the Taylors to justice, or at least to exact their own form of retribution. On August 23, 1869, an ambush was laid for the Taylor brothers as they rode near their father’s ranch in the early morning light. Helm and his group of "Regulators" opened fire, initiating a fierce gunfight. Jack and Phillip fought back valiantly, but the odds were stacked against them. In the ensuing chaos, Phillip sustained a wound to his arm, yet managed to escape. Tragically, Jack was killed in the ambush, but not before inflicting injuries on five of the Sutton "Regulators," demonstrating the deadly nature of the Taylor brothers. The ambush underscored the ruthless nature of the Sutton-Taylor Feud and the constant danger faced by those involved.
Just weeks later, on September 7th, Phillip found himself in another perilous situation. While visiting a friend’s house near the Neches River, he and two companions, named Keeleson and Cook, were ambushed by Sutton Regulators as they departed the home of William Conner. Keeleson was killed in the initial volley of gunfire. Taylor and Cook, outnumbered and outgunned, retreated and returned fire. However, their ammunition eventually ran out, forcing them to surrender. Miraculously, the Sutton Regulators did not immediately kill them. Under the cover of darkness that evening, Phillip and Cook managed to escape, narrowly avoiding certain death. This escape reinforced the image of Do’boy – Fighting in the Sutton-Taylor Feud as a survivor, albeit one constantly living on the edge.
Despite these close calls, Phillip’s luck would eventually run out. In November 1871, he traveled to Kerrville, Texas, seeking employment. He learned of a job opportunity that was currently held by a man named Sim Holstein. A dispute arose between the two men regarding the position. The argument escalated until Taylor drew his pistol and fired at Holstein, missing his target. Holstein, however, did not miss. He returned fire, striking Phillip three times. Though wounded, Phillip lingered for six hours, reportedly spending his final moments cursing his adversary, sealing his legacy as Do’boy – Fighting in the Sutton-Taylor Feud.
The death of Phillip "Do’boy" Taylor marked another tragic chapter in the Sutton-Taylor Feud. While his involvement was relatively brief, his experiences illustrate the brutal realities of the conflict and the personal toll it exacted. The feud continued to claim lives for several more years, leaving a lasting scar on the communities involved.
The Sutton-Taylor Feud stands as a stark reminder of a turbulent period in Texas history. It highlights the complexities of Reconstruction, the challenges of law enforcement in a frontier environment, and the destructive consequences of unresolved grievances. The story of Phillip "Do’boy" Taylor, while just one thread in the larger tapestry of the feud, provides valuable insight into the lives and motivations of those who were caught up in this deadly conflict. He serves as an example of Do’boy – Fighting in the Sutton-Taylor Feud.
The legacy of the Sutton-Taylor Feud continues to resonate in Texas, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked violence and the importance of reconciliation. The stories of individuals like Phillip "Do’boy" Taylor, with their triumphs and tragedies, help us to understand the human cost of such conflicts and the enduring impact they have on the communities involved.