ORDINARY PEOPLE

Focusing on the experiences of impoverished individuals in the post-Civil War era, David Wagner utilizes biographies of former inmates from a large almshouse alongside genealogical and official records to trace their journeys. The book presents a dynamic portrayal of poverty, illustrating how lives evolve over three decades and challenging static notions of hardship. Through these personal stories, Ordinary People reveals the complexities and resilience of those navigating economic struggles.