Project Description

Joanne Hamilton Rajoppi, longtime Union County Clerk and accomplished author, presented her book Northern Women in the Aftermath of the Civil War: The Wives and Daughters of the Brunswick Boys at a Union County Historical Society program featured in Newsletter Issue #136. The book chronicles the perseverance of women like Mary Ann Hamilton of New Jersey, whose husband and sons were claimed by the Civil War, leaving her economically vulnerable with young children—one of whom was considered “insane” by 19th-century standards. Rajoppi explores how countless Northern women faced widowhood, cared for wounded or addicted veterans, and endured the social upheaval of post-war America. Set against the backdrop of the Federal pension system, westward migration, and early industrialization, Northern Women sheds light on the trials and tenacity that ultimately paved the way for women’s expanded roles in modern society.

Author Joanne Hamilton Rajoppi presented the program at our luncheon and spoke about her most recent book – Northern Women in the Aftermath of the Civil War.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the book "Northern Women in the Aftermath of the Civil War" about?
The book tells the story of women like Mary Ann Hamilton of New Jersey who faced economic hardship and personal tragedy after the Civil War. It explores how women navigated widowhood, cared for returning soldiers, and adapted to the changing social landscape of post-war America.
Who is Joanne Hamilton Rajoppi?
Joanne Hamilton Rajoppi is the Union County Clerk and an author who has written extensively on historical topics, including the experiences of Northern women during and after the Civil War.
When was the book presented to the Union County Historical Society?
The book presentation took place in 2017 and is documented in UCHS Newsletter Issue #136.
What themes are explored in the book?
The book examines themes such as grief, resilience, post-traumatic stress, the Federal pension system, westward migration, and the evolving roles of women in modern society.