Zina Diantha Huntington Heard Her Daughter-in-Law's Voice Across 40 Miles While Serving in the Temple

Zina Diantha Huntington Young (1821–1901), the third President of the Relief Society and first matron of the Salt Lake Temple, was among the most spiritually gifted women in early LDS history. Known for her gifts of healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and prophetic prompting, she ministered to thousands throughout her life.

One of the most remarkable accounts of her spiritual sensitivity occurred while she was serving in the Salt Lake Temple. Amid her duties, she suddenly heard, clearly and distinctly, the voice of her daughter-in-law Emma cry out: 'Mother, I need you.'

Zina did not dismiss the prompting. Without hesitation, she prepared to travel — 40 miles north to Ogden, a full day's journey on horseback. When she arrived and poked her head in the door with 'Surprise!' she found Emma in dangerous, protracted labor with her first child. Things had been going very badly. The midwife was unable to deliver the baby. Emma was dangerously ill.

Zina took charge. She assessed the situation and told her son Chariton they needed a doctor — now. He initially refused: 'No Mother, I don't think we do. We've got a midwife, Emma will be alright.' But Zina insisted. When the doctor arrived, he was able to deliver the baby using forceps.

The baby girl was born dark and discolored. The doctor set her aside, focusing all effort on saving Emma's life. But Zina and the midwife did not give up on the baby. They breathed life into her. The infant took her first cry and went on to be a strong, healthy girl.

Emma later said it was Zina's coming — prompted by that mysterious voice across 40 miles — that saved both her life and her daughter's. Emmeline B. Wells, writing of Zina's ministry, said: 'Numberless instances might be cited of her ministrations among the sick, when she seemed to be inspired by some higher power than her own.'