Deborah Sampson by M.M.
I am Deborah Sampson, and I’m going to walk you through my life.
I was born December 17, 1760 in Plympton, Massachusetts. I had 7
siblings and the oldest child, Robert Shurtleff died at the age of 8
before I was born. My dad went off to become a sailor when I was still
very young, but he died. My grandmother told me many stories of great
women who had fought in wars, but my favorite was Joan of Arc. My
inspiration was Joan of Arc. She led the French army and won. I thought
if she could cross-dress to fight, why couldn’t I? Women should be able
to fight for freedom, too.
Through the years I have had to deal with success and failure.
I was a seamstress at night. I would make clothes for needy families. Then I joined the Revolutionary War. My most important contribution was helping America become free. I was very brave. Since I grew up on a farm, I was very strong, I was also a foot over average height. I had to live with many families because of deaths in my own family. That made me strong emotionally. The greatest problem I had to overcome in my lifetime was pulling a bullet out of my own leg. I didn’t want anyone to find out my secret, so I watched other doctors do it, and at night when no one was looking, I took one out because the other one was too deep. No matter what it may be, always follow your dreams.
Through the years I have had to deal with success and failure.
I was a seamstress at night. I would make clothes for needy families. Then I joined the Revolutionary War. My most important contribution was helping America become free. I was very brave. Since I grew up on a farm, I was very strong, I was also a foot over average height. I had to live with many families because of deaths in my own family. That made me strong emotionally. The greatest problem I had to overcome in my lifetime was pulling a bullet out of my own leg. I didn’t want anyone to find out my secret, so I watched other doctors do it, and at night when no one was looking, I took one out because the other one was too deep. No matter what it may be, always follow your dreams.
Below is a picture of Deborah Sampson, dressed as a boy.
