In the summer of 1905, a dispute over school district records in Anadarko, Oklahoma, escalated into a fatal confrontation. Special Constable Edward Ploughman, a male officer with the Caddo County Sheriff's Office, found himself at the center of this conflict. He was tasked with serving a warrant of replevin on the former clerk of the local school district, who had refused to relinquish the records after losing an election.
The former clerk's refusal to cooperate prompted Constable Ploughman to obtain an arrest warrant for obstructing an officer.
On Thursday, July 13, 1905, Constable Ploughman, accompanied by the director of the school district, went to the man's home to serve the warrant. Upon their arrival, Ploughman informed the man that he was under arrest and that he intended to search the house for the missing records. In a sudden turn of events, the man retreated into his house. As Constable Ploughman approached the doorway, the man opened fire with a 25-35 Winchester rifle.
Seeking cover, Constable Ploughman moved towards the rear of the house, but he was struck in the back by a bullet and killed. The school district director, who was also present, returned fire and killed the suspect. Special Constable Edward Ploughman was survived by his wife and three children.
