Elmina Shepard Taylor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elmina S. Taylor |
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| 1st general president of the Young Women | |
| June 19, 1880 – December 6, 1904 | |
| Called by | Brigham Young |
| Successor | Martha H. Tingey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Anstis Elmina Shepard September 12, 1830 Middlefield, New York, United States |
| Died | December 6, 1904 (aged 74) Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W |
| Spouse(s) | George H. Taylor |
| Children | 7, including: Mae T. Nystrom |
| Parents | David S. Shepard Rosella Bailey |
Elmina S. Taylor (born September 12, 1830, died December 6, 1904) was an important leader for young women. She was the very first president of the Young Women organization in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She also helped start the National Council of Women of the United States, an organization that works for women's rights.
Contents
Elmina Taylor's Early Life
Anstis Elmina Shepard was born in Middlefield, New York. Her parents were David Spaulding Shepard and Rosella Bailey. Elmina was the older of their two daughters. Her family were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Elmina went to Harwick Academy for her education. After she graduated in 1854, she started teaching school. She moved to Haverstraw, New York to teach.
Joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
While teaching in Haverstraw, Elmina met John Druce. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He taught her about his faith. On July 5, 1856, Elmina was baptized into the Church.
Soon after, on August 31, 1856, she married George Hamilton Taylor. He was also a new member of the Church.
Moving to Utah
Elmina and George left New York on April 15, 1859. They traveled to Utah. They joined a group called the Edward Stevenson Company. This group left from Quincy, Illinois, in June 1859. They arrived in Salt Lake City on September 16, 1859.
In Utah, the Taylors started a successful lumber business. They also took part in important Church ceremonies. Elmina and George had seven children together. Sadly, three of their children died before they grew up.
Leading the Young Women Organization
On June 19, 1880, a special meeting was held. It took place in the Salt Lake Assembly Hall on Temple Square. At this meeting, Elmina Taylor was chosen as the first general president. She would lead the Young Ladies' National Mutual Improvement Association. This organization is now known as the Young Women organization.
Elmina Taylor served as the general president until she passed away in 1904. She helped the organization grow a lot.
Important Milestones as President
In 1890, Elmina Taylor held the first Church-wide meeting for young women. This was a big event for the organization. She also attended meetings of the National Council of Women of the United States. She went to meetings of the International Council of Women too. These meetings happened throughout the 1890s.
In 1893, she also attended The World's Congress of Representative Women. Under her leadership, Susa Young Gates started a magazine. It was called the Young Woman's Journal. It began in 1889 and was published for many years. Just before Elmina Taylor died, she made the name of the organization shorter. It became the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association. After her death, Martha H. Tingey became the next president.
Advocating for Women's Rights
Elmina Taylor was also a strong supporter of women's rights. In 1888, she met with Susan B. Anthony. This meeting was in Seneca Falls (CDP), New York. They helped create the National Council of Women of the United States. This group works to improve the lives and rights of women.
In 1891, Elmina Taylor was given an important role. She became an ex officio vice president of the National Council of Women. She held this position until her death. Elmina Taylor passed away at her home in Salt Lake City.
See also
- Mae Taylor Nystrom, daughter
- Margaret Young Taylor, counselor
