Sioux Indians
Geronimo
Frank "Sugar" Brown
Otoe Indian Actor and Circus Performer Dies
The Tulsa Tribune March 24, 1960
Mr. Brown, 65, was hospitalized late Tuesday night after suffering an apparent heart attack at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Isabel Whitehorn of 1708 N. Lewis Ave., where he had arrived for a month's visit Tuesday.
His home was on the Otoe reservation near Red Rock, Noble County. (Oklahoma).
He had performed in circuses, rodeo, and show troupes throughout the United States, Europe, South America and Cuba and in Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount motion pictures.
Born on the Otoe reservation, he joined the old 101 Ranch show troupe as a young man and later was with Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey, Clyde Beaty, Russell Brothers, Arthur Brothers, Haggenbeck and Wallace, Dailey Brothers and Christina Brothers Circuses.
His wife Ella, five sons and a daughter usually appeared with him in his Indian troupe. He was billed as "Chief Sugar" Brown.
Mr. Brown had traveled with the Christian Brothers Circus the last two years and had planned to go with it again in April.
He had appeared in the motion picture "Distant Drums" and "Unconquered" both featuring Gary Cooper, and in "Around the World in 80 Days."
Surviving in addition to his wife and Mrs. Whitehorn are four sons, Laverne, Elmer, Johnny and Frank Jr. and a daughter Mrs. Claudia No Ear, all of the home. a sister Mrs. Lydia Moore of Oklahoma City; 15 grandchildren and three great -grandchildren. Another son, Arvil, died in Florida a month ago.
Indian funeral ceremonies will be held Saturday or Sunday in the Mose Harragara home near Red Rock. Burial will be in the Red Rock Cemetery under the direction of Newton Funeral Home, Perry; Tulsa-Whisenhunt Funeral Home handled local arrangements.