Description

This session explores the intertwined lives of Sarah Ann Sutton Cooke and Ann Eliza Young—two accomplished actresses of the Deseret Dramatic Association whose paths eventually led them into direct conflict with Brigham Young. Sarah Cooke successfully defended her home in court when Brigham Young attempted to claim it. Ann Eliza Young, once his plural wife, became nationally known after divorcing him and publishing a widely read exposé. Their friendship—rooted in the theater—became a lifeline as Sarah quietly aided Ann Eliza’s escape from the marriage. Together, their stories illuminate the power of women’s networks, the politics of early Utah, and the unexpected ways art, faith, and resistance converged in the lives of two formidable nineteenth‑century women.

April Young-Bennett is a writer for the Mormon feminist organization, Exponent II, and author of Ask a Suffragist, a book series exploring what modern leaders can learn about advaocy, strategy and changing the world from the bold women and men of the suffrage movement. She is passionate about projects that motivate meaningful change in our community, especially on behalf of the underrepresented and disadvantaged among us, and currently works as a cabinet-level leader of a children’s hospital.