Phil Coe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phil Coe
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Philio Houston Coe
July 13, 1839 Gonzales, Republic of Texas |
| Died | October 9, 1871 (aged 32) Abilene, Kansas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents |
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| Occupation | Soldier, gambler and businessman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate Army |
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Philio Houston "Phil" Coe (born July 13, 1839, in Gonzales, Texas – died October 9, 1871, in Abilene, Kansas) was a soldier, a gambler, and a businessman from Texas. He lived during the time of the Old West. He became a business partner with the famous gunfighter Ben Thompson in Abilene, Kansas. Together, they opened a place called the Bull's Head Saloon. Phil Coe was later killed by the town marshal, Wild Bill Hickok, during a street fight.
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Phil Coe's Early Life
Philio Houston Coe was born on July 13, 1839. His parents were Phillp Haddox and Elizabeth (Parker) Coe. He was born in Gonzales, Texas, which was one of the first towns settled west of the Colorado River. Phil was the fourth of nine children in his family.
Serving in the Military
Phil Coe joined the army on March 24, 1862, in Belmont, Texas. He was 22 years old. He became a Lieutenant in Company F, 2nd Regiment Texas Mounted Rifles. This was part of the Confederate Texas Troops during the American Civil War.
Later, on December 11, 1862, Coe transferred to another company. He served as a Private in William G. Tobin's Company F. Records show he received $100 for one month of service in 1863. Some people believe Phil Coe might have also fought in Mexico with his friend Ben Thompson after the Civil War. However, there are no official records to confirm this.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Phil Coe traveled around Texas. He became friends with another well-known gunfighter named Bill Longley. He also learned how to be a skilled gambler from Ben Thompson, whom he had known in Mexico.
Coe eventually settled in Salina, Kansas. There, he became a saloon owner and continued to be a talented gambler. In May 1871, Coe joined forces with Ben Thompson in Abilene. They managed a popular place called the Bull's Head Saloon. The saloon had decorations that some people in Abilene found offensive.
During this time, Coe met many important figures from the Old West. These included John Wesley Hardin and Abilene's town marshal, Wild Bill Hickok.
The Conflict with Wild Bill Hickok
Phil Coe and Wild Bill Hickok did not get along well. Ben Thompson, however, usually respected Hickok. Coe and Hickok often had arguments. Once, Coe was boasting about how good he was at shooting. He claimed he could "kill a crow on the wing," meaning he could shoot a flying crow. Hickok supposedly replied, "Did the crow have a pistol? Was he shooting back? I will be." This remark made their dislike for each other even stronger.
The Final Showdown
On October 5, 1871, a street fight happened in Abilene. Wild Bill Hickok was trying to control a large crowd by himself. Phil Coe was in the crowd and fired two shots at Hickok, but he missed both times. Hickok shot back and seriously wounded Coe.
Sadly, Hickok also accidentally shot and killed his own deputy, Mike Williams. Williams was running to help Hickok at the time. This tragic accident deeply affected Hickok for the rest of his life.
Phil Coe was badly injured and passed away a few days later, on October 9, 1871. His death was the last known killing by Wild Bill Hickok. Coe's body was taken to Brenham, Texas, where his relatives lived. He was buried in Prairie Lea Cemetery there.
