Little Sure Shot

Annie Oakley: “Aim at a high mark, and you’ll hit it. No, not the first time, nor the second time and maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect. Finally, you’ll hit the bull’s eye of success” (232). 


The Book  

One of my childhood heroes was Annie Oakley, the famous sharpshooter who traveled with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. However, I never got around to reading an adult biography of Annie Oakley, just the kid versions. Annie Oakley by Shirl Kasper reveals more to the reader than simply the legend of Annie Oakley. It is true that Annie met Sitting Bull, the famous Native American from Custer’s Last Stand, and he adopted her. She traveled seventeen years with the Wild West Show and only missed five performances. Annie traveled the world showing off her skills, but her fame didn’t really take off until performances in London for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1887.

Annie Oakley was more than a skilled shooter; she was also a talented horse rider and sportswoman. Kasper takes the time to introduce the reader to a quiet and proper woman. Small of stature and a conservative manner, Annie wanted to be seen as a lady. The reader also gets a glimpse into the love story between Annie and Frank Butler. Butler was a talented shooter in his own right, but recognized that Annie had more potential. He became her manager and assistant-holding playing cards and throwing glass balls in the air for Annie to shoot. 

The Place   

Annie Oakley was born in Darke County, OH and lived in Greenville, OH. One of my good friends from college was from Greenville and she invited me to spend a weekend with her exploring Annie’s hometown.

The Garst Museum is run by the Darke County Historical Society and home to The National Annie Oakley Center. In the museum are memorabilia from Annie’s life: her guns, glass balls she shot, playing cards Frank held, and posters from her time traveling with Buffalo Bill. The legend of Annie Oakley is preserved well here. The museum also provides exhibits from the history of Darke County: a visit from Teddy Roosevelt, the time as a territory, and the broadcaster Lowell Thomas.

Outside of Greenville, visitors can drive to Annie Oakley’s birthplace. The cabin is no longer in existence, but a historical marker points out the exact spot. The one disappointing aspect of this historical marker is that it is not actually on the spot, it points a visitor 1,028 feet east of the marker. The birthplace can be hard to find. It is on Spencer Rd. in Yorkshire, OH 45388; in between N. Star Fort Loramie Rd. and Houschilt Rd.