Profile of the Day: Annie Oakley
On this day in 1860, sharpshooter Annie Oakley was born. Known for her incredible marksmanship, Oakley became an international star as a performer in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
Image: Annie Oakley / Library of Congress
Oakley was born Phoebe Ann Mosey on August 13, 1860 in a log cabin in Darke County, Ohio. She was the fifth of seven surviving children born to Jacob Mosey and Susan Wise. Oakley began shooting at the age of 8 and quickly honed her skills by hunting game to support her mother and her siblings.
In 1885, Oakley and her husband, Frank E. Butler, joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show and toured the country performing various feats of marksmanship. Her fame took her to Europe, where she performed for royalty and other heads of state, including Queen Victoria.
Oakley died on November 3, 1926 at the age of 66. Her husband died 18 days later.
View Annie Oakley’s Geni Profile