McLaury Brothers of Tombstone, Arizona
The windswept plains of Arizona, a land etched with the harsh realities of frontier life, whisper tales of ambition, conflict, and untimely demise. Among the figures who etched their names into the annals of the Wild West are the McLaury brothers, Frank and Tom. Their story, inextricably linked to the infamous Clanton Gang and culminating in the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, forever cemented their place in the lore of the American West. While their lives were relatively short, their involvement in one of the most iconic shootouts in history has ensured that the names of the McLaury Brothers continue to resonate through the years.
Early Lives and Family Roots
The McLaury Brothers, Frank and Tom, were born into a large family, the sons of Robert and Margaret McLaury. Frank, born in 1848, was the eighth of eleven children, while Tom, born on June 30, 1853, was the tenth. Their birthplace was Kortright, New York, a far cry from the arid landscapes and simmering tensions they would later encounter. The family sought new opportunities westward, relocating to Belle Plaine, Iowa, a burgeoning agricultural community. This relocation provided the brothers with a foundation in rural life, instilling in them the values and skills necessary to survive in a challenging environment. The experience of growing up in a large family, coupled with the demands of frontier life, likely shaped their personalities and forged a strong bond between them.
Journey to Arizona and Association with the Clantons
In 1878, Frank and Tom McLaury embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead them to Tombstone, Arizona, and into the heart of a simmering feud. They settled in Hereford, Arizona, where they encountered the Clanton family. The Clantons, led by the patriarch Newman Haynes Clanton, known as "Old Man Clanton," were ranchers and cowboys, but also suspected of cattle rustling and other illicit activities. The McLaury Brothers became closely associated with the Clanton family, aligning themselves with their interests and becoming, in effect, members of the notorious Clanton Gang.
The nature of the relationship between the McLaury Brothers and the Clantons is a subject of debate among historians. Some portray them as active participants in the Clanton’s illegal activities, while others suggest they were simply caught in the crossfire of a bitter rivalry. Regardless of the precise nature of their involvement, their association with the Clanton Gang placed them on a collision course with the law and, more specifically, with the Earp brothers.
The Brewing Conflict in Tombstone
Tombstone, Arizona, in the late 19th century was a boomtown fueled by silver mining. The rapid influx of people created a volatile environment, with fortunes made and lost overnight. The town attracted a diverse population, including lawmen, gamblers, businessmen, and outlaws, all vying for their piece of the pie. This environment created a fertile ground for conflict, and tensions were particularly high between the Clanton Gang and the Earp brothers, who held various law enforcement positions in Tombstone.
The Earp brothers, Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan, along with Doc Holliday, aimed to establish law and order in Tombstone, while the Clantons and their associates resisted their authority. The conflict between the two factions was fueled by a combination of factors, including differing views on law enforcement, accusations of cattle rustling and stagecoach robbery, and personal animosity. The McLaury Brothers, having aligned themselves with the Clantons, became active participants in this escalating conflict.
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral: A Moment of Infamy
The simmering tensions finally erupted on October 26, 1881, in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The events leading up to the shootout are shrouded in conflicting accounts and interpretations, but the basic facts are generally agreed upon. Virgil Earp, acting as town marshal, attempted to disarm Ike Clanton, Frank McLaury, Tom McLaury, and Billy Clanton, who were gathered near the O.K. Corral. The Earps believed the men were in violation of a town ordinance prohibiting the carrying of firearms within city limits.
What followed was a brief but violent confrontation that lasted approximately 30 seconds. Shots rang out, and when the smoke cleared, Billy Clanton and the McLaury Brothers, Frank and Tom, lay dead. Virgil and Morgan Earp were wounded, as was Doc Holliday. Wyatt Earp was the only one among his group who escaped unscathed.
The gunfight’s precise sequence of events and the question of who fired the first shot have been the subject of endless debate. Some claim that the Clantons and McLaurys were ambushed by the Earps, while others assert that they resisted arrest and initiated the shooting. Regardless of the exact details, the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral became a pivotal moment in the history of the Wild West and a defining event in the lives of the McLaury Brothers.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral had a profound impact on Tombstone and the surrounding region. The deaths of Billy Clanton and the McLaury Brothers fueled the flames of the existing feud and led to further violence. The Earps were charged with murder but were eventually acquitted after a lengthy preliminary hearing. However, the controversy surrounding the gunfight continued to haunt them, and they were eventually forced to leave Tombstone.
The McLaury Brothers, though their lives were cut short, became enduring figures in the mythology of the Wild West. Their association with the Clanton Gang and their participation in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral have ensured their place in history. They are buried in Tombstone’s Boothill Cemetery, a final resting place for many of the town’s residents who met a violent end.
The legacy of the McLaury Brothers is complex and multifaceted. They are often portrayed as villains, associated with lawlessness and violence. However, some argue that they were victims of circumstance, caught in the crossfire of a bitter feud. Regardless of one’s perspective, their story serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of frontier life and the enduring power of myth and legend. The story of the McLaury Brothers reminds us that history is rarely simple, and that even seemingly minor figures can leave a lasting mark on the collective memory.