The brothers were born in New York, the Catskills, before their family moved on to Iowa where their father became a lawyer and farmer.  They came to Arizona in 1877 to make money in the cattle and alfalfa business.  The McLaury brothers spent much of their time outside of Tombstone, where they became friendly with the Clantons and Cowboys like “Curly” Bill Brocius.  From many personal accounts, both brothers were honorable men.  In fact, Frank McLaury helped track down some thieves who had stolen harnesses from Camp Thomas.  When he caught up with the thieves he became angry when they attempted to bribe him.  However, as is the case with the “Wild West”, there are also accounts of the McLaury brothers being rustlers.