A. J. Boyd, City Marshal

City of Langston 

The morning of Friday, May 11, 1900, E. H. Armstead got in a fist fight with a man named English over the ownership of some chickens. During the fight Armstead drew a revolver when City Marshal Boyd came upon them, took the gun away from Armstead, separated the two men and stopped the fight and sent the two men on their separate ways.

A short time later Armstead met Boyd and asked for his gun back. Boyd refused saying that Armstead was a dangerous man. The request by Armstead was renewed with some hot words. Armstead went to his home, procured a Winchester rifle and then hunted for the marshal. When Armstead found Boyd he asked for his gun and again Boyd refused to give it to him. Armstead then shot Boyd with the bullet penetrating his breast at a point opposite the apex of the heart, killing him instantly. 

Armstead tried to get away but was captured by friends of the dead marshal. Mob violence against Armstead was hinted but was averted.  Armstead was then taken to the Logan County jail in Guthrie under heavy guard.

Marshal Boyd was survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.