Gates, Susa Young (1856–1933)

Susa Young was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of Brigham Young and Lucy Bigelow Young. Lucy was one of Brigham's 19 wives and Susa was one of 56 children fathered by Brigham. The Youngs were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. All accepted the principle of plural marriage for male members. This led to an interesting early childhood for Susa.

Susa recalls her early years as being of “a carefree childhood and a happy joyous youth.” All of Brigham's wives and children lived together in a large house, and it was here that Susa received her early education. In addition, she learned “domestic arts” such as knitting, weaving, spinning, cooking, and cleaning.

While a college education for most women during ...