The Talented Marksman

Annie Oakley (born Phoebe Ann Moses) on August 13, 1860 was an American sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. Annie came from humble beginnings. At the age of 8 or 9, Annie went to live with Superintendent Edington’s family at the Darke County Infirmary, which housed the elderly, the orphaned, and the mentally ill. In exchange for helping with the children, Annie received an education and learned the skill of sewing from Mrs. Edington, which she would later use to make her own costumes.

Her family finances were marginal so Annie used her father’s old Kentucky rifle to hunt...