Frank McLaury (1848-1881) - Find a Grave Memorial

Old West Figure. Frank McLaury was born in New York in 1848 and moved to Iowa with his family while still a child. Frank had 13 siblings and half-siblings. His older brother William studied law and later became a judge. Both younger brothers Frank and Tom also both studied law. In 1878 they moved to Hereford, Arizona where the brothers met the successful cattle ranchers, the Clanton family. There is little evidence Frank McLaury himself ever participated in illegal acts, but due to his friends he was often guilty by association. His friends were what really placed him on the opposite side of the Earps. The gunfight at the O.K. Corral is actually believed to be Frank's first violent confrontation. On October 26, 1881, the McLaury brothers were in Tombstone to conclude a cattle deal. Tensions between the Earps and Cowboys had escalated. Ike Clanton had been cited earlier in the day for carrying a weapon in town, after which Tom McLaury had arrived to get Ike. Wyatt Earp and McLaury had a heated exchange. Later that day the Clantons and McLaurys, along with Billy Claiborne, faced off against the Earps and Doc Holiday in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Some witnesses testified that Frank and Billy Clanton drew their weapons first, while others loyal to the Cowboys supported their version of events in which Tom opened his coat to show he was unarmed. The Earps and Holiday killed Frank and Tom McLaury along with Billy Clanton. Their brother William McLaury spent most of his finances in pursuing charges against the Earps and Doc Holliday. William fought to clear the brothers name and have the Earps and Holliday punished. William reported that brother Tom had $3,000 on him because the brothers and Billy Clanton were to move to Fort Worth, Texas to be with him and that their presence in Tombstone that day was strictly for business reasons. But, no one will ever know the absolute truth.

Bio by: Shock