Who was Deborah Sampson and what did she do?
Deborah Sampson. Deborah Sampson became a hero of the American Revolution when she disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces.
Who was Deborah Sampson in the Continental Army?
Statue of Deborah Sampson at the Sharon Massachusetts Public Library. Courtesy staff photo. Deborah Sampson is best known for disguising herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army from May 1782 to October 1783.
Why was Deborah Sampson known as Molly Shurtleff?
Deborah Sampson. Assuming a man’s identity, she enlisted as “Robert Shurtleff” in the 4th Massachusetts Regiment in 1782. Nicknamed “Molly” because of her beardless features, she fought in numerous skirmishes and received both sword and musket wounds. A bout with fever uncovered her identity, and in 1783 she was discharged from the army.
Where is the statue of Deborah Sampson located?
By the time she died in 1827, she was collecting minimal pensions for her service from Massachusetts and the federal government. In her memory a statue stands today outside the public library, in Sharon, honoring her Revolutionary War service and sacrifices.
How tall was Deborah Sampson during the Revolution?
The Revolution was in its final months when Deborah decided to disguise herself and attempt to enlist sometime in late 1781. She purchased some cloth and made herself a suit of men’s clothing. At 22, Deborah had reached a height of around five feet, eight inches, tall even for men of the period.
What are the names of Deborah Sampson’s siblings?
Early life. Deborah Sampson was born on December 17, 1760, in Plympton, Massachusetts, into a family of modest means. Her father’s name was Jonathan Sampson (or Samson) and her mother’s name was Deborah Bradford. Her siblings were Jonathan (b. 1753), Elisha (b. 1755), Hannah (b. 1756), Ephraim (b. 1759), Nehemiah (b. 1764), and Sylvia (b. 1766).