Deborah Sampson was born on December 17, 1760, to Jonathan Sampson Junior and Deborah Bradford Sampson. Deborah had five younger siblings. At age four, her father abandoned them. As a result, her distant friends and relatives adopted her and her siblings. Three years later, Deborah found herself alone again due to the death of her new guardian. At age eight, she was placed in the home of a pastor's widow. She found herself very unhappy there. Thus at the age of ten, she became bound out as an indentured servant to the family of Deacon Benjamin Thomas. She worked long and hard on the Thomas farm however, she enjoyed her time there. She also acquired many skills in the process.

Deborah attended school as well. This was uncommon for many girls in her day. However, she tagged along with the Thomas sons. She showed a huge amount of interest in...