Phil Coe – Gunfighter and Gambler
Phillip "Phil" Coe, a name whispered with a mix of admiration and fear in the saloons and dusty streets of the Old West, was far more than just a quick draw. He was a complex figure, a Texan through and through, who embodied the spirit of a volatile era. Described by some as one of the most formidable gunfighters to ever grace the Lone Star State, Coe’s life was a whirlwind of military service, high-stakes gambling, and entrepreneurial ventures, all interwoven with the ever-present threat of violence. His close friendship with the notorious Ben Thompson, a gunman and gambler of considerable renown, further cemented his place in the annals of Western lore.
Born in July 1839 in Gonzales, Texas, Phillip Houston Coe inherited a legacy of Texan grit and determination from his parents, Elizabeth Parker Coe and Phillip Haddox Coe. Little is known about his early childhood, but it’s clear that the tumultuous environment of pre-Civil War Texas shaped him into the man he would become. From a young age, he likely learned to handle firearms and navigate the rough-and-tumble world of the frontier. This foundation, combined with an innate charisma and a willingness to take risks, would serve him well in his future endeavors. Phil Coe – Gunfighter and Gambler was known for his quick wit as well as his quick draw.
When the clouds of civil war gathered over the nation, Coe answered the call to arms. In September 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate forces in Houston, Texas, and was quickly commissioned as a 3rd Lieutenant. However, his military service was initially cut short when he was mustered out just a few months later in December due to illness. Undeterred, Coe demonstrated his commitment to the Confederate cause by re-enlisting in March 1862. This time, he joined the 36th Texas Cavalry, actively participating in the conflict for over a year before leaving the force in April 1863. While the details of his wartime experiences remain somewhat obscure, his willingness to serve underscores his loyalty and sense of duty. Phil Coe – Gunfighter and Gambler was a complex figure who was a Civil War soldier, gambler, businessman, and gunfighter.
Following the Confederacy’s defeat, Coe’s path took an intriguing turn. According to some accounts, he ventured south of the border to serve under Emperor Maximilian in Mexico, alongside his friend and mentor, Ben Thompson. This period is shrouded in speculation, but it’s believed that under Thompson’s tutelage, Coe honed his already considerable skills in both marksmanship and gambling. Thompson, a seasoned gunfighter and gambler himself, undoubtedly imparted valuable lessons to Coe, shaping his style and approach to the often-dangerous world they inhabited. It was during this time that the legend of Phil Coe – Gunfighter and Gambler began to take shape, fueled by tales of daring exploits and close calls.
By late 1869, Coe had resurfaced in Brenham, Texas, where his sister, Delilah, and her family resided. Brenham, a bustling town with a reputation for attracting colorful characters, provided Coe with ample opportunities to indulge in his penchant for gambling. It was here that he crossed paths with some of the most notorious figures of the era, including James Madison Brown, John Wesley Hardin, and William P. Longley. These encounters undoubtedly further hardened Coe’s resolve and solidified his reputation as a man not to be trifled with. His presence in Brenham, however, was relatively short-lived, as the allure of the burgeoning cowtowns of Kansas soon beckoned.
In 1870, Coe ventured north to Salina, Kansas, before ultimately setting his sights on Abilene, one of the most notorious and vibrant cowtowns of the era. By May 1871, he had established himself in Abilene, a place teeming with cowboys, gamblers, and lawmen, all vying for their piece of the action. It was in Abilene that Coe’s destiny would become inextricably linked with two other legendary figures: Ben Thompson, who had also made his way to the town, and Wild Bill Hickok, the city’s newly appointed marshal.
Coe and Thompson, recognizing the potential for profit in Abilene’s thriving nightlife, soon formed a partnership and established the Bull’s Head Saloon. The Bull’s Head quickly gained a reputation as one of the wildest and most raucous establishments in town, attracting a clientele of hard-drinking cowboys and gamblers. However, their success also drew the attention of Wild Bill Hickok, who was determined to maintain order in the increasingly chaotic town. The presence of Phil Coe – Gunfighter and Gambler was soon to create problems with the law.
The tension between Coe and Hickok was palpable from the start. Their personalities clashed, and their differing views on law and order further fueled the animosity. One particular incident, involving an oversized painting of a Texas Longhorn bull displayed at the Bull’s Head Saloon, served as a catalyst for their growing conflict. The painting, complete with anatomically correct details, offended many of Abilene’s residents, who demanded that the animal’s "masculinity" be altered. Hickok, upholding the town’s standards of decency, personally oversaw the necessary modifications, standing guard with a shotgun while the changes were made. While the incident was resolved without bloodshed, it served as a clear indication of the simmering conflict between Coe and Hickok.
Despite their personal animosity, Thompson and Hickok maintained a level of mutual respect, seemingly acknowledging each other’s reputations as formidable gunmen. However, the tension between Coe and Hickok continued to escalate. After Thompson left town, Coe sold his share in the Bull’s Head Saloon but remained in Abilene as a gambler. When Hickok and Coe began to court the same woman, rumors spread that each man was plotting to kill the other. The air crackled with anticipation, and it seemed inevitable that their conflict would eventually erupt into violence.
One fateful day, Coe and Hickok exchanged heated words during a disagreement. Coe, known for his boastfulness, reportedly bragged about his shooting prowess, claiming that he could "kill a crow on the wing." Hickok, unimpressed by Coe’s bravado, retorted, "Did the crow have a pistol? Was he shooting back? I will be." This exchange, laden with thinly veiled threats, foreshadowed the tragic events that were about to unfold.
The climax of the Hickok-Coe feud arrived on the night of October 5, 1871. It was the end of the cattle season, and Coe, along with a group of Texas cowboys, was celebrating in Abilene’s saloons. As the cowboys approached the Alamo Saloon, a vicious dog attempted to bite Coe, prompting the gunman to fire a shot at the animal. Although he missed the dog, the sound of gunfire immediately drew the attention of Wild Bill Hickok, who arrived on the scene to investigate.
Hickok, enforcing the town’s ordinance against carrying firearms, demanded that Coe surrender his weapons. Instead of complying, Coe drew his pistol and fired at Hickok. The marshal returned fire, striking Coe twice in the stomach. In the chaotic exchange of gunfire, Hickok, reacting to the sound of footsteps behind him, swiftly turned and fired again, tragically killing Deputy Mike Williams, who had been rushing to his aid.
Phil Coe lingered in agony for several days before succumbing to his wounds on October 9, 1871. His body was transported back to Brenham and buried in Prairie Lea Cemetery. The accidental killing of Deputy Williams deeply affected Hickok, contributing to his eventual departure from Abilene. In the aftermath of the shooting, the city of Abilene, weary of the violence and lawlessness associated with the cattle trade, decided to ban cattle drives from passing through their town and dismissed Hickok from his position as city marshal. While some expected Ben Thompson to seek revenge against Hickok for Coe’s death, he surprisingly did not, and some accounts suggest that he believed the shooting was justified. The legend of Phil Coe – Gunfighter and Gambler lived on.