Susa Young Gates

Susa Gates (March 18, 1856 May 27, 1933) was an American writer, periodical editor, president of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and campaigner for women's rights. She was the daughter of Brigham Young, the head of the LDS Church. Gates published numerous short stories, novels, poetry, and other literary works throughout her life. Gates wrote more than other Mormon writers, according to R. Paul Cracroft's argument. Gates was also active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS...See more

Susa Gates (March 18, 1856 May 27, 1933) was an American writer, periodical editor, president of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and campaigner for women's rights. She was the daughter of Brigham Young, the head of the LDS Church. Gates published numerous short stories, novels, poetry, and other literary works throughout her life. Gates wrote more than other Mormon writers, according to R. Paul Cracroft's argument. Gates was also active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), where she created lesson manuals, served on the Relief Society general board, led genealogy work, and served as a missionary, among other things. Brigham Young's twenty-second wife, Lucy Bigelow, gave birth to Gates at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. Gates was born Susanna but went by Susa for the majority of her life. She was Brigham's forty-second child and Lucy Bigelow and Brigham Young's second child. Gates was raised in the Lion House. Because of the size of her father's family, Young's home life was quite regulated. Her days were structured around planned meals, prayers, schooling, family devotionals, and sleep. According to Gates, she had a pleasant upbringing and enjoyed growing up in the Young family. See less