 In 1927 , Howerton drew the attention of The New York Times when he led a " strange cavalcade " through the streets of Manhattan to the Hospital for Crippled and Ruptured Children . Howerton led the parade in the original coach that had previously been used by General Tom Thumb . The coach was drawn by two Shetland ponies , and Howerton was accompanied by " Tiny Doll " , described as " the Major 's sweetheart " and other circus performers . He also drew the attention of the Chicago Tribune when he visited Chicago in 1928 . 
