In 1881, Isabella Nugent wrote, “If having sexual intercourse made us man and wife, we were married.” Intimate, candid insights like this into the private lives of Irish people—both at home and abroad—are rare gems from the 19th century. Yet the private sex lives of our ancestors are just one of the many fascinating topics revealed in US Military Pension Files from that era.

After 15 years of research, Damian shares how you can unlock these invaluable resources to uncover the hidden stories of the past. From personal relationships to everyday struggles, these files offer a unique window into 19th-century lives that Irish history books often overlook.

The Forgotten Irish: Irish Emigrant Experiences in America

Green & Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military, 1861-1865

Ordering Pension Files from the United States National Archives

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