Eliza R. Snow, Poetess of Zion (1804-1887)

Called “Zion’s Poetess” by Joseph Smith Jr. and later “presidentess” by church peers, Eliza R. Snow was an influential Latter-day Saint female leader and writer of the 19th century, according to smithinstitute.byu.edu/wh/ERS.asp.

Snow was a plural wife first to Joseph Smith Jr. and later to Brigham Young. She was called to be the second general president of the Relief Society under President Young’s leadership.

Early in her life, Snow learned the value of self-sufficiency and provided for herself through teaching school and earned additional income as a seamstress.

During her time in Kirtland, Ohio, Snow contributed songs to Emma Smith’s hymnal.

Snow also published 20 poems between 1826 and 1832 and published two volumes of poems during 1856 and 1877, according to smithinstitute.byu.edu/wh/ERS.asp.

Through her poetry, Snow rallied the saints, chronicled their history and chided anti-Mormon leaders.

Until her death on Dec. 5, 1887, Snow worked to support and develop the Relief Society and Young Women’s organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, according to smithinstitute.byu.edu/wh/ERS.asp.

In an address to fellow sisters, Snow said, “In your lives, seek to refine and elevate, that you may be prepared to come into the presence of holy beings and associate with Gods. We do not know our own abilities until they are brought into exercise.”

Elizabeth Simpson Bradshaw (1808-1873)

Daughter to the inventors of the grandfather clock, Elizabeth Simpson Bradshaw was born to wealthy English parents. Yet, she sacrificed in order to bring her children over the plains to the Salt Lake Valley.

Bradshaw was baptized by the missionaries in England. The death of her second husband left her six children to raise alone, according to www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/pioneer.html.

Even though times were hard, Bradshaw never stopped waiting for the chance to travel to the United States and later Salt Lake City.

After almost 10 years of waiting, Bradshaw came to the United States on the ship Horizon.

Before leaving the harbor in Liverpool, Bradshaw’s brothers pleaded with her not to go. She said, “I am going to Zion. The gospel is true, and Joseph Smith Jr. is a prophet of God.”

Over the course of her trip, she met up with the Martin Tyler Handcart Company and carried her children and meager belongings the 1,300 miles to Salt Lake City. Elizabeth Simpson Bradshaw died in Hyrum, Utah, in 1873, according to www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/pioneer.html.