August 11, 1921 – “Roots” author Alex Haley is born in Ithaca, New York.
August 13, 1860 – Wild West performer Annie Oakley, known for her shooting ability, is born in Darke County, Ohio.
August 15, 1769 – French military leader and Emperor of the French (1804-14, 1815), Napoleon Bonaparte, is born in Ajaccio, Corsica, France.
August 17, 1786 – Frontiersman and politician Davey Crockett is born in Hawkins County, Tennessee. He would die at age 49 during the defense of the Alamo in Texas.