Annie Oakley and Frank Butler
Skilled rifle shots who inspired an American musical
Annie Oakley (Phoebe Anne "Annie" Oakley Mozee) of Darke County, Ohio, was a tomboy from the start, and soon became known as a skilled rifle shot. In 1881, the famous Baughman and Butler shooting act was performing in Cincinnati. Star of the show, champion shot Frank E. Butler, boasted that he could beat any local marksman.
Butler was amused when told a young woman had accepted his challenge. But Phoebe Ann won the contest. She also captured Butler's heart. They were married in 1882.
Butler abandoned his career to manage hers. As "Annie Oakley" she joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, performing into the 1920s.
Annie died in 1926. Her heartbroken husband died 18 days later. Their happy marriage had lasted 44 years. Irving Berlin immortalized this most American of love stories with his 1946 musical Annie Get Your Gun.
Famous Love Stories in History
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One of the earliest romances in the American colonies
Abigail and John Adams
A half-century love affair during the Revolutionary War
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
English royalty who mourned her husband's death for 40 years
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Annie Oakley and Frank Butler
Skilled rifle shots who inspired an American musical
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne
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Love, romance and relationship quotes for your soul
- 'True love cannot be found where it truly does not exist,
Nor can it be hidden where it truly does.'
~ Anonymous - 'To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;
Whenever you’re right, shut up.'
~ Ogden Nash - 'The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.'
~ Elie Wiesel