The Wild West Wonder From Western Ohio: How Annie Oakley Shot Down Barriers
Mrs. Butler aims her rifle at an apple perched atop her beloved dog Dave's head. (Buffalo Bill Center of the West)
At the age of 15, Phoebe's skill was already unrivaled in Greenville, and she began taking on competitors in other cities such as Cincinnati. A local hotelkeeper, Jacob Frost, set up a match between the 5-foot, 110-pound Phoebe and 28-year-old Irish exhibition shooter Frank Butler.
"I was a beaten man the moment she appeared, for I was taken off guard."
~ Frank Butler
"What fools we mortals must be! My admiration for Frank Butler's poodle led me into signing some sort of alliance papers with him that tied a knot so hard it lasted some fifty years."
~ Annie Oakley
Frost bet $50 that Moses would win the match. Frank hit 24 out of 25 targets. Phoebe won, hitting all 25.
Intrigued by the pretty girl in a pink gingham dress and sun bonnet, Butler gave Phoebe and her family free tickets to his next show. Phoebe initially became enamored with Frank Butler’s french poodle George, and from then on the two conversed through letters and started courting.
The Moses approved of his strong values, charismatic nature, and dignified character. He did not drink or gamble and he treated Phoebe with respect and love.
The pair married on August 23, 1876 and began their shooting career, Phoebe becoming Frank's assistant as he performed alongside his show partner John Graham.
Dave sits atop a stool for a trick shot. (Dayton Daily News)
The Butlers with their second dog Dave. (Dayton Daily News)
Mrs. Butler goes hunting with Dave. (William F. Cody Collection)
Phoebe with her first dog George. (Garst Museum)
Mrs. Butler poses for a portrait at Scannell & Missimer Studio in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Historical Society)
Frank Butler's Poetry: Little Raindrops
"There’s a charming little girl
She’s many miles from here,
She is a loving little lassy
you’d fall in love to see her
her presence would remind you
of an angel in the skies
And you bet I love this little girl
With the raindrops in her eyes.
Some fine day we’ll settle down and stop this roving life
With a cottage in the country I will claim my little wife.
Then we’ll be happy and contented
No quarrels shall arise
And I’ll never leave my little girl
With the raindrops in her eyes.”
(Garst Museum)
Mr. Butler poses for a portrait at Scannell & Missimer Studio in Cincinnati. (Cincinnati Historical Society)
After rumors that Mrs. Butler had died, Frank Butler writes a reporter to set the record straight. (William F. Cody Archive)
Frank Butler extends his wife's offer of free show tickets for orphans to a local newspaper. (The Daily Banner, August 27, 1913)
On May 1, 1882, Butler's partner was sick, so Phoebe stepped in. After Butler gave a poor performance, a spectator shouted, “Let the girl shoot.” When Phoebe performed spectacularly, the pair of sharpshooters’ career was set.
Over time, Phoebe became increasingly popular with the crowd.
In a remarkable reversal of 19th century roles, Frank stepped away from the limelight and assisted Phoebe, from holding up cards for her to shoot to managing paperwork and finances. Together, they broke barriers in showbusiness, raising awareness for poverty, disease and inequality while excelling in their skill.
"If love... means that one person absorbs the other, then no real relationship exists any more. Love evaporates; there is nothing left to love. The integrity of self is gone."
~Annie Oakley
"Aim for a high mark and you'll hit it" ~ Annie Oakley
John Graham and Frank Butler become partners, traveling the Midwest and performing in exhibitions. Phoebe Butler assists in these shows.
Phoebe fills in as her husband's partner when Graham gets sick. After a poor performance by Butler, a spectator shouts "Let the girl shoot!" When Phoebe performs spectacularly, her show career kicks off.
After a Buffalo Bill Wild West Show in St. Paul, Minnesota, the great Indian chief Sitting Bull meets Annie Oakley. Amazed by her spectacular skills, he gives her the infamous nickname 'Watanya Cicilla' or Little Sure Shot.
After being discovered by one of Buffalo Bill's 'scouts', Phoebe Butler is invited to join the Wild West Show. She enters under the stage name "Annie Oakley."
The Butlers shortly after their wedding, 1876. (Ohio History Connection)
Graham & Butler show poster, 1881. (PBS)
Frank Butler would hold these heart cards for Annie to shoot through. (Garst Museum, private collection)
Cabinet cards of Sitting Bull and 'Watanya Cicilla', 1885. (Vintage News Archives)
Pressure mounts as Annie joins the Wild West. Will she rise to the occasion?
