Annie Moses
(aka Erin C.)

Hi, my name is Annie Moses, and I was born in Darke County, Ohio on August 13, 1860. I was the fifth daughter of of Jacob and Susan Moses. My family was very poor. When I was ten years old, I was sent to live at the Darke County Infirmary. After a few months at the infirmary, I was hired by the Wolfe family to care for a young child. While working for the Wolfe family, I was abused and ran away to return to my mother. My mother thought  I was being treated nicely and was attending school. As a child, I used to hunt for food for the family.

By the time I was 15 years old, I had gotten a reputation as a sharpshooter. I met my future husband on Thanksgiving Day in 1875. His name was Frank Butler who was also a sharpshooter and a performer. We were married on August 23, 1876. Together, my husband and I performed sharpshooting acts. It was then I changed my name. You all know me as Annie Oakley.

I was lucky enough to spend my life traveling the world, performing shooting exhibitions in Wild West shows. Over the years, we gave performances for the Queen of England and the King of France among other famous people. It is kind of funny that I was in Wild West shows considering I have never been west of Kansas.

I used my fame to promote women's participation in sports. My shooting exhibitions allowed me to give money to my mother, as well as hospitals and orphanages. I died of lung disease on November 3, 1926 in Darke County, Ohio. My husband, Frank Butler, died eighteen days later. I am Annie Oakley.

Return to "BIOGRAPHY" Home Page