Deborah Sampson: “The Female Soldier” of the American Revolution
Despite claiming to respect all women for their ideals and endeavors, many modern feminist groups tend to overlook some of the most inspiring female figures in history. Whether it is because these characters displayed a burning passion for their country and values that did not align with the left’s agenda, or their stories have simply been swallowed by time and history, it is unclear. However, it is necessary to illuminate at least a few of these astounding accounts. In doing this, we reveal the true abundance of such admirable and encouraging figures and remind the younger American generations of the genuine, meaningful values of a hero.
Deborah Sampson was born December 17, 1760, in Plympton, Massachusetts. She was one of seven children to Jonathon Sampson Jr. and Deborah Bradford Sampson. The family was already burdened with severe financial struggles when Jonathon vanished after departing on a sea voyage. Consequently, the Sampson children were forced to live in separate homes, with young Deborah sent to live with close relatives. At the age of ten, when her new guardians no longer had the stability to support her, Deborah committed herself to the Thomas family in Middleborough, Massachusetts as an indentured servant.
She was well provided for, receiving food, clothing, and shelter in return for her service. Despite her conditions, Sampson was incredibly determined to further her academic knowledge. She was permitted to attend school during the winter and would independently continue her studies throughout the year by borrowing the Thomas childrens’ school books. She acquired other practical and helpful skills during her years of servitude, including spinning, weaving, and how to handle and utilize farm equipment and firearms. At 18, when her assigned period of service was complete, Sampson then earned a living as a teacher during summer sessions and a weaver in the winter months.
Although there is no distinct, known motive for Sampson’s revolutionary act in 1782, it remains a subtle yet groundbreaking point in American history nonetheless. On May 23 of this year, after dedicated preparation, 21-year-old Sampson enlisted in the Continental Army in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, disguised as a man named Robert Shurtliff. She and the other recruits then marched from Worcester, Massachusetts, to West Point, New York. There, she was assigned to Captain George Webb’s Company of Light Infantry, the most active troops in the Hudson Valley from 1782 to 1783.
Miraculously, Sampson was able to conceal her true identity for over a year, despite several close calls. The majority of her time in the army was spent serving in the Lower Hudson River Valley Region of New York. While stationed at the then Neutral Ground, Sampson took part in many skirmishes against Loyalist raiders, more commonly known as “Tories.” On one occasion, Sampson suffered a gunshot wound to her shoulder. The intensity of her tenacity and devotion was displayed when she refused proper medical attention to avoid discovery. She allegedly left the bullet in her shoulder and continued her duties as usual.
Throughout the eighteen months she spent at West Point, Sampson fought in several battles and skirmishes, sustaining two more significant injuries. Once near Tarrytown, a sword left a large gash in her forehead. Soon after, she was shot in the leg. Still stubborn with her determination to remain unnoticed, Sampson eventually allowed physicians to treat her head wound, but fled before they could continue the examination. For her gunshot wound, however, she extracted the bullet herself, using only a penknife and a sewing needle. Aside from these notable instances, she often treated minor injuries herself, although these, in addition to her leg wound, would never heal properly.
Even though her time in the military was considerably short, Sampson was able to accomplish a significant amount for her country. Her initial task was to frequently scout and assess the neutral territory, which was no simple feat. Progressing from this position, Sampson went on to lead a raid that resulted in the capture of 15 Tories. At the siege of Yorktown, the final blow that would ultimately bring the war to an end, Sampson participated in digging trenches, invading a British fortress, all while enduring cannon and gunfire.
Sampson’s successful military career and coverup were eventually compromised by the hapless outbreak of “malignant fever,” a destructive illness that began rapidly spreading throughout the camps. After falling unconscious with a remarkably high fever while on a mission in the summer of 1783, Sampson was admitted to a hospital in Philadelphia. Her assigned physician, Dr. Barnabas Binney, inevitably discovered her well-kept secret. However, rather than immediately taking action and sharing the information with her superiors, he kept quiet and brought Sampson to his own home where he and his niece nursed her back to health.
After she had recovered significantly, Dr. Binney met with her commanding officer. Subsequently, Sampson was ordered to deliver a letter regarding the information to General George Washington himself. Upon receiving the letter and meeting Deborah, Washington showed her nothing but courtesy, respect, and empathy. On October 25, 1783, Deborah Sampson received an honorable discharge.
Once the war had officially ended, Sampson returned home to Massachusetts, marrying Benjamin Gannett two years after her departure from the military. Sampson, after an intense, exhilarating experience in the war, was thrilled to settle down and begin a family. She and her husband had three children and eventually adopted a fourth, and for several years, she thoroughly enjoyed the simple, quaint life as a mother and a “farmer’s wife.” She would later receive a military pension from the state of Massachusetts, and in the March of 1802, Sampson decided to begin a year-long lecture tour of her home state, Rhode Island, and New York, continuing to create history as the first woman in America to accomplish such a task.
Throughout her journey, she visited several popular locations including Boston, Springfield, and New York City, often dressed in full military uniform when speaking. Despite completing this entire tour alone while constantly battling illness, she persisted and went on to inspire thousands of individuals in a single year. She returned home in April 1803.
The following year, Paul Revere sent a letter to Congress, explaining how Sampson deserved even more recompense for her service in the war. Shortly thereafter, she began receiving a US pension of four dollars per month, along with a land grant for her military services as a Revolutionary Soldier. On March 11, 1805, she was finally placed on the pension list for disabled veterans after a previously failed attempt.
Deborah Sampson Gannett passed away at sixty-six years old in Sharon, Massachusetts, on April 29, 1827. She was one of the first and most notable women to serve in the US Military. Her headstone in Sharon honors this accomplishment, referring to her as “The Female Soldier.”
On July 7, 1838, Congress passed the “Act for the relief of the heirs of Deborah Gannett, a soldier of the Revolution.”
Her children received $466.66, equivalent to nearly $20,000 in today’s standards, for the medical expenses Sampson incurred from treating her wounds. Benjamin Gannet was also awarded these funds, though he died before receiving them. In May of 1983, Governor Michael J. Dukakis signed a proclamation naming Deborah Sampson the “Official Heroine of the State of Massachusetts.”
It is these types of people, whose incredible stories of courage and devotion seem to get drowned out by the larger events of history, who must be remembered and honored today. Sampson’s account of immeasurable dedication and sacrifice, all for the sake of helping defend her country, should serve as a reminder to younger generations that there is no excuse, that it is always possible to accomplish the unimaginable. One may have to put everything on the line to pursue their goal, which may result in breaking several societal and cultural standards. Deborah Sampson, one of the most underrated female figures in history, has taught us the value of modesty, hard work, and self-sacrifice. A just, honorable goal is always attainable, no matter your age, gender, or background if you simply apply these characteristics and put in the work necessary.
Sources:
“Deborah Sampson.” American Battlefield Trust,
Michals, Debra. “ Deborah Sampson.” National Women’s History Museum, 2015,
Serfilippi, Jessie. “Deborah Sampson.” George Washington’s Mount Vernon,
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Deborah Sampson”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Apr. 2021,
