rs of
Christians, in one practical enterprise, that the world ever saw."
After the disbanding of the Women's Relief Association, Mrs. Stranahan,
though retaining her profound interest in the welfare of her country,
and her desire for its permanent pacification by such measures as should
remove all further causes of discord and strife, returned to the quiet
of her home, and except her connection with the Graham Institute, gladly
withdrew from any conspicuous or public position. Her health was as we
have said impaired somewhat by her assiduous devotion to her duties in
connection with the Association, but she made no complaint, and her
family did not take the alarm. The spring of 1866 found her so feeble,
that it was thought the pure and bracing air of the Green Mountains
might prove beneficial in restoring her strength, but her days were
numbered. On the 30th of August she died at Manchester, Vermont.
In closing our sketch of this excellent woman, we deem it due to her
memory to give the testimony of two clergymen who were well acquainted
with her work and character, to her eminent abilities, and her
extraordinary worth. Rev. Dr. Farley, says of her:
"When I think of the amount of time, thought, anxious and pains-taking
reflection, and active personal attention and effort she gave to this
great work; when I recall how for nearly three years, with other weighty
cares upon her, and amid failing health, she contrived to give herself
so faithfully and devotedly to carrying it on, I am lost in admiration.
True, she had for coadjutors a company of noble women, worthy
representatives of our great and beautiful city. They represented every
phase of our social and religious life; they were distinguished by all
the various traits which are the growth of education and habit; they had
on many subjects few views or associations in common. In one thing,
indeed, they were united--the desire to serve their country in her hour
of peril, by ministering to the sufferings of her heroic defenders in
the field. Acting on this thought--knowing no personal distinctions
where this was the prevailing sentiment--and treating all with the like
courtesy--she had yet the nice tact to call into requisition for special
emergencies the precise talent which was wanted, and give it its right
direction. Now and then--strange if it had not been so--there would be
some questioning of her proposed measures, some demur to, or reluctance
to accept her sugg
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