I am excited to launch a new podcast on Mormon History. Since February is #BlackHistoryMonth, I thought it would be interesting to interview historians and authors about black LDS History. Margaret Young is my first guest, and we discussed the life of Jane Manning James, a black Mormon convert from Wilton, Connecticut. Jane travelled by foot Nauvoo, and had an close friendship with the Prophet Joseph Smith and his wife Emma, so much so that she was sealed to them in a highly unusual sealing ceremony.
Jane sent letters to every prophet asking for temple blessings, but was denied. Margaret describes some of these letters as Jane wrote poignantly, “is there no blessing for me?” I think when we talk about the “priesthood ban,” we don’t fully appreciate that the temple ban affected women as well as men. It was a fun interview with Margaret, and I’ll be posting part 2 of our conversation later this week. I hope you can listen to our conversation.
Do you have any questions for me? Do you have any topics you’d like me to cover? What do you make of Jane’s unusual sealing to the Emma and Joseph Smith?
Wheat & Tares 
For those interested in listening to the podcast, click here: https://gospeltangents.com/2017/01/29/is-there-no-blessing-for-me/
I thought I knew a fair amount about Jane’s life. (I knew about the sealing as a servant to Joseph and Emma.) However I did not know about her rape in Connecticut. It sounds like this produced a child. Was it a case of a statutory rape (where she was too young to consent), or was it a violent rape? It’s wrong either way, but just curious.
I also just learned that she had another husband by the name of Perkins. Any info on that?
I do have a part 2 with Margaret, but we didn’t address those questions. (I’d like to interview her again and ask.) I should have part 2 up soon.
Part 2 is here! https://gospeltangents.com/2017/02/02/race-is-a-touchy-subject-blackhistorymonth/
Huh. Interesting. Didn’t Margaret criticize black Mormon women just last year for bringing up Jane’s attempts to gain access to the temple? I believe she said they were not being a true sister to Jane. I’d love to understand why it’s okay for her to discuss this, but not for black women.
I don’t think so. You must be thinking of somebody else. In fact, I asked Margaret, “Do you feel like you’re kind of Jane’s biographer and protector?”