Posted by:
Rowell back
(
)
Date: August 07, 2013 01:14PM
Jane M. James sealed as eternal servant to Joseph Smith
May 18, 1894
After repeated attempts to be sealed as an adopted child of Joseph Smith, LDS leaders finally relented slightly and prepared a special temple ceremony just for Jane James. Because Jane was still not allowed in the temple, Bathsheba W. Smith stood in as proxy for Jane:
Bathsheba W. Smith as proxy for Jane Elizabeth Manning James (living)
Joseph F. Smith as proxy for Joseph Smith (dead)
Jane Elizabeth Manning (a Negro Mormon) do you wish to be attached as a Servitor for eternity to the prophet Joseph Smith and in this capacity be connected with his family and be obedient to him in all things in the Lord as a faithful Servitor? (Answer Yes)
Pres. Joseph F. Smith acting for and in behalf of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
do you wish to receive Jane James as a Servitor to yourself and family? (Answer Yes)
By the authority given me of the Lord I pronounce you, Jane James, a Servitor to the Prophet Joseph Smith (President Joseph F. Smith acting for an [sic] in his behalf) and to his household for all eternity, through your faithfulness in the new and everlasting covenant, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
John Nicholson
(Adoption Record, Book A, Temple Record, LDS Archives, p. 26)