WWHA Research Center

Frank North

(March 10, 1840 - March 14, 1885)

Born in New York, Frank moved west with his parents to Omaha, Nebraska.

At the age of 18, he began his contact with the Pawnee Indians. Whether hunting, freighting or working on the Pawnee Reservation, Frank North began to learn the Pawnee language and customs.

In 1864, North was asked to organize a company of Pawnee for use on the plains against the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho. The Pawnee battalion with North as commander proved valuable and effective in many campaigns helping military columns, protecting railroad construction workers and aiding private citizens.

When the Pawnee Scouts were no longer needed, North began ranching then participated in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

Frank North is buried in the Columbus Cemetery in Columbus, Nebraska.

Information compiled by Steve Grimm

Books about Frank North

Frank J. North, Pawnee Scout Commander and Pioneer by Ruby E. Wilson

This book has too much dialogue for a biography. I'll never understand how this author knew the exact words used in Frank's early childhood and later in his life. The section reprinting Frank North's personal diaries during the Sioux Campaign make it worthwhile

The Fighting Norths by Robert Bruce

A book based on interviews with Luther North, this book provides a fine view of the North's contribution to western history.