Overwhelmingly, the women and men who worked at the arsenal claimed an Irish-Catholic heritage. Most lived in
Lawrenceville. Census records show that the daughters, sisters,
and wives of the immigrant families performed dangerous
munitions work at the arsenal to earn desperately needed
income. Most relied on community members such as physicians
and clergyman to provide character references before they could
begin work. Employment at the arsenal enticed young girls,
widows, mothers, and wives who struggled to make ends meet
with husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons off to war.
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