ings, inevitable in such an institution. Her discretion,
equanimity, and tact, were equal to the duties of the place, and under
her administration peace and quiet reigned. It was probably from the
knowledge of her executive abilities, that she was unanimously chosen to
preside over the Women's Relief Association. This position was also one
requiring great tact and skill in the presiding officer. About eighty
churches of different denominations in Brooklyn, cooeperated in the work
of the Association, and it had also numerous auxiliaries scattered over
the Island. These diverse elements were held together in perfect
harmony, by Mrs. Stranahan's skilful management, till the occasion
ceased for their labors. The Association was from first to last a
perfect success, surpassing in its results most of the branches of the
Commission, and surpassed in the harmony and efficiency of its action by
none.

In her final report Mrs. Stranahan said: "The aggregate of our efforts
including the results of our Great Fair, represents a money value of not
less than half a million of dollars." Three hundred thousand dollars of
this sum were paid into the treasury of the United States Sanitary
Commission in cash; and hospital supplies were furnished to the amount
of over two hundred thousand more. The Great Fair of Brooklyn had its
origin in the Women's Relief Association. At first it was proposed that
Brooklyn should unite with New York in the Metropolitan Fair; but on
further deliberation it was thought that a much larger result would be
attained by an independent effort on the part of Brooklyn and Long
Island, and the event fully justified the opinion. The conducting of
such a fair involved, however, an excessive amount of labor on the part
of the managers; and notwithstanding the perfect equanimity and
self-possession of Mrs. Stranahan, her health was sensibly affected by
the exertions she was compelled to make to maintain the harmony and
efficiency of so many and such varied interests. It is much to say, but
the proof of the statement is ample, that no one of the Sanitary Fairs
held from 1863 to 1865 equalled that of Brooklyn in its freedom from all
friction and disturbing influences, in the earnestness of its patriotic
feeling, and the complete and perfect harmony which reigned from its
commencement to its close. This gratifying condition of affairs was
universally attributed to the extraordinary tact and executive talent of
Mrs. Stranah