During the nineteenth century, Zina D. H. Young represented Mormon women in local and national medical, political, and religious circles.
When we give all that the Lord asks of us, the bounds of our influence for good can be limitless. The life and service of Zina Diantha Huntington Young (1821–1901) exemplifies this principle, as documented on history.lds.org.
The eighth of ten children, Zina was a spiritual young woman who possessed the gift of speaking in tongues. Though she was able to attend school only sporadically, she became proficient in household skills such as weaving, soap making, and candle dipping. Zina’s skill and influence eventually extended to political, spiritual, professional, and medical spheres both inside and outside the early Mormon community.
After joining the Church at age 14 and later crossing the plains with other Latter-day Saints, Zina studied obstetrics and began serving as a midwife. She later helped to establish Deseret Hospital in 1872 and served as its vice president while also organizing a nursing school.
When the Relief Society was reorganized in 1880, Zina was called to serve as first counselor to Eliza R. Snow. As a counselor, Zina was sent by the First Presidency to the East Coast to advocate women’s suffrage and to represent the Church by correcting public misperceptions. During this period, she also addressed several temperance societies.
After the death of Eliza R. Snow, Zina was called to serve as the third general president of the Relief Society. She held this position for 14 years until her death in August 1901 at the age of 80.
Read the short biographical sketch about Zina D. H. Young.
Source: Church History
—Mark T. Hales, Mormon Insights
For more insights:
Read “Young, Zina D. H.” in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism.
Read “Zina Diantha Huntinton Young: Third General President of the Relief Society” on lds.org.