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Birth
Deborah Sampson was born in Plympton, MA and was one of six children. -
Sent Away and Became Indentured Servant
Her mother had to give away her children to family and friends because she couldn't provide for them. She eventually became an indentured servant. -
Became a Teacher
Deborah became a school teacher in Middleboro MA. -
Enlisted in the War
She enlisted in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army in Bellingham, MA as a man under the name "Robert Shurtleff". -
War Wound
Deborah Sampson was wounded in battle but removed the bullet herself, so it wouldn't be found out that she was a woman.* -
Suffered with Yellow Fever
Deborah Sampson became sick with yellow fever and the doctor discovered she was a woman but, kept her secret until later when she was honorably discharged by General Patterson as a woman. -
Received Honorable Discharge and Secret Discovered
She was honorably discharged from the army on October 23,1783 and it was at this time that General Paterson discovered the secret that she was a woman, by a note from the doctor that cared for her during Yellow Fever. -
Became First Woman Lecturer
She earned a living by traveling the US in her army uniform and lecturing about her Revolutionary War experiences.* -
Received Back Pay and Pension
She was the first woman to receive military back pay and a pension.* -
Death
Deborah died at the age of 67 and was buried in Sharon, MA.
