Despite divorce, mental health issues, and the burdens of family life, Gates used her talents to defend women’s achievements as well as her beliefs.
Susa Young Gates’ motto “keep busy in the face of discouragement” proved to be a recurring theme throughout her life. Though she faced both physical and emotional hardships, Susa used her love of the arts and her commitment to the gospel to inspire others. Both her successes and her setbacks are described in a biographical sketch from the Encyclopedia of Mormonism.
Known for defending her faith with pen and paper, Susa Young Gates wrote pamphlets, novels, and biographies, including a biography of her father, Brigham Young. In later years, Susa founded the Utah Woman’s Press Club and the Relief Society Magazine and worked on a history of women in the LDS Church until her death in 1933.
Even with her many accomplishments, Susa still faced challenges. At the age of 16, she married Alma Dunford, yet they divorced five years later. Susa and her second husband, Jacob F. Gates, later served a mission to the Sandwich Islands—but in 1902 Susa suffered a nervous breakdown, causing an early return from the mission field. Perhaps Susa’s greatest trial was witnessing nine of her thirteen children pass away before adulthood.
The antidote for these setbacks, according to Susa, was faith. A priesthood blessing, along with several years’ rest and a changed attitude towards prayer, helped her overcome her emotional trials.
Susa later advocated for women’s achievements, lecturing around the country on “equal moral standards for men and women,” and attended a meeting with Susan B. Anthony and Queen Victoria.
By persevering in spite of tragedy, Susa Young Gates was able to “keep busy” and bless the lives of those around her.
Read Louise Plummer’s short biographical sketch of Susa Young Gates.
Source: Encyclopedia of Mormonism
—Abby Pace, Mormon Insights
Find more insights
See highlights of Susa Young Gates’ life on the Mormon Channel
Read a collection of Susa Young Gates’ papers and correspondence in the Church History Library: “MS 7692: Susa Young Gates papers circa 1870–1933”
I love learning about these pioneer women! they are so inspiring, and I learn so much from their examples.
Whenever i study the lives of righteous people from days past, I feel uplifted and inspired. They faced many of the same concerns that we face today. Seeing how they addressed those challenges can provide guidance for us today. What truth is in her words! – “Keep busy in the face of discouragement.”
I’ve done some research on Susa Young Gates as a research assistant. She truly was a wonderful woman! Thank you for this brief sketch. I hope that the Relief Society and Young Woman’s organizations start using more stories from courageous and righteous Mormon women. There really are so many stories out there. We just need to find them and share them!
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