| Famous Sons and Daughters
Phoebe Ann Mosey (often pronounced and spoken as
"Moses"), known to the world as Annie Oakley, was born near
Willowdell in northern Darke County on August 13, 1860. Her family was poor and she
supplemented their income by shooting game and selling it in Greenville and neighboring
towns. Her game was prized by restaurants because her excellent marksmanship meant
little damage to the birds.
Annie adopted the stage name of Annie Oakley after she
met and married shooter Frank Butler and began to tour the vaudeville circuit.
Between 1885 and 1901, she starred in the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. It was during
this time that Chief Sitting Bull gave her the title of "Little Miss Sure Shot."
Both Annie and Frank Butler died in 1926, just 18 days
apart. They are buried side by side in Brock Cemetery, a few miles from Annie's
childhood home.
Annie Oakley had a motto that she had printed on a
card. It was simple and full of common sense: "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."
For a history of Annie Oakley, send your request,
including name and mailing address, to the Darke County Chamber of Commerce at mmader1@voyager.net.
Lowell Thomas, well-known world traveler
and radio personality, was born April 6, 1892 at Woodington, five miles northwest of
Greenville. The author of 51 books, Thomas died at the age of 89.
Zachary Lansdowne was an aviator who
pioneered the use of helium in dirigibles. He was commander of the U.S. Naval
Airship "Shenandoah" when it crashed near Ava, Ohio. Lansdowne was killed
in the accident.
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