We've all heard the stories of Annie Oakley, but wouldn't it have been nice to watch her shoot, and to talk to her! She was surely a Woman of Inspiration, who may have just been ahead of her time! Thanks to her, so many years ago, the thought of shooting sports became a viable option for women! My favorite quote of hers, "I would like to see every woman know how to handle [firearms] as naturally as they know how to handle babies." Here's a bit of history on her:
Occupation – Professional Sharpshooter and Entertainer
Biography - Was born in Western Ohio, real name was Phoebe Ann Moses, Annie began trapping at a young age, and shooting and hunting by age eight to support her siblings and her widowed mother. She sold the hunted game for money to locals in Greenville, Ohio as well as restaurants and hotels in southern Ohio. Her skill eventually paid off the mortgage on her mother's farm when Annie was 15.
Oakley promoted the service of women in combat operations for the United States military. She wrote a letter to President William McKinley on April 5, 1898, "offering the government the services of a company of 50 'lady sharpshooters' who would provide their own arms and ammunition should the U.S. go to war with Spain."Throughout her career, it is believed that Oakley taught upwards of 15,000 women how to use a gun. Oakley believed strongly that it was crucial for women to learn how to use a gun, as not only a form of physical and mental exercise, but also to defend themselves.
She was a member of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, The National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame
Notable Quotes
"I would like to see every woman know how to handle [firearms] as naturally as they know how to handle babies."
“Aim at the high mark and you will hit it. No, not the first time, not 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.”
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