Episode 13 - Orson F. Whitney

Orson F. Whitney testified often to the Saints of the powerful spiritual characteristics inherent in poetry and within the soul of the poet who gives of his gifts to the world. Learn more about Elder Whitney and his poetry on this episode of Poets of the Restoration.

Episode 12 - Eliza R. Snow - Part 2

As part 2 of 2, this episode continues the story of the Mormon poetess Eliza R. Snow. She arrived in the Salt Lake Valley and wrote poetry about the experience. Poetry that Eliza wrote is read as part of the presentation.

Episode 11 - John Taylor

John Taylor was born November 1, 1808, in Milnthorpe, England, near to Windemere and the beautiful Lake District, and here a love of nature and of everything beautiful was awakened in his heart. Learn about this love and the poetry that came from John Taylor's heart, in this episode of Poets of the Restoration.

Episode 10 - Susa Young Gates

Susa Young Gates was no ordinary pioneer girl. She was born in the Lion House in Salt Lake City in 1856. As a stenographer, reporter, and writer, she enriched the lives of her family and of all those around her. In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we learn about Susa's life and her belief that words are the strongest things on earth.

Episode 9 - Eliza R. Snow - Part 1

The poetic gift was something that Eliza R. Snow was born with. This episode of Poets of the Restoration is part one of an outline of the life of this most well-known Mormon poet, beginning at her birth. Several of her poems are also read.

Episode 8 - Lulu Greene Richards

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, our host discusses the life of Louisa “Lulu” Greene Richards. She was born in Gainesville, Iowa, on April 18, 1849. Being devout Latter-day Saints, Louisa’s mother and father moved the family to the Salt Lake Valley in November 1852. At age 18, Louisa and her sister started a small school in the valley. Realizing she needed more education, Louisa dutifully studied until she was 20 and started submitting poetry to the Deseret News under the nickname “Lulu.” Her poetry was well-received, and she eventually became the editor of the Women’s Exponent periodical for five years. The words of her writings reflect the importance of love and industry in building up others and living life to the fullest.

Episode 7 - Emily Woodmansee

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we learn about the life of Emily Woodmansee. She was born as Emily Hill in Warminster, England, on March 24, 1836, to hardworking but spiritually ambivalent parents. Having an intense desire for salvation at a young age, she sought answers regarding the truth and found it from her cousin Miriam, a recent convert to the Church. Emily later traveled to America at age 20 and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in early 1857. She eventually married Joseph Woodmansee, had eight children, and became a strong advocate of women’s rights. The poetry she wrote is a call to trust in the Lord—regardless of the hardship that follows—and a reminder that through our trials we can strengthen our faith and eventually become one with God.

Episode 6 - Emmeline B. Wells

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we take a closer look at the life of the poet Emmeline B. Wells. She was born in Petersham, Massachusetts, in 1828. Her father passed away when she was only four years old, and her mother and siblings raised her from then on. She honed her writing skills at a literary school in Salem, from which she graduated in 1841. She was baptized in 1842. She married three times throughout her life, became a largely successful advocate for women’s rights, and edited the Women’s Exponent periodical for 37 years. She wrote her poetry to express the universal human conditions of love, suffering, sadness, and hope. By doing so, she inspired her readers and herself to move forward and keep the faith.

Episode 5 - Parley P. Pratt

Born in Burlington, New York on April 12, 1807, Parley P. Pratt lived to become one of the most influential Apostles in Church history. He converted over 1,000 people through his valiant missionary work in Canada and England. In this episode of Poets of the Restoration, we discuss his life and contributions as a poet. He was known as “The Poet Apostle” and is best known for his written hymns in the Church. He has 38 hymns to his credit, including the only love song in the book.

Episode 4 - Ruth May Fox

In this episode of Poets of the Restoration we learn about the life of Ruth May Fox. She was born November 16th, 1853, in Westbury, Wiltshire, England. Although her family is unsympathetic towards Latter-day Saints, Ruth’s father highly encourages her to join the Church at a young age, and her faith remains strong throughout her entire lifetime. Ruth travels to America in 1865 and makes her way to Utah two years later to become one of the most influential women’s rights advocates of her time. Her poetry is used as an expression of the goodness in life and her deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.